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Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters, which will be operated off the aircraft carriers, and three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines from France.
The DAC granted the acceptance of necessity [AoN] for procurement of three additional Scorpenes under the Buy (Indian) category.
The submarines will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
The DAC approved a proposal to lay down guidelines for achieving the desired indigenous content in all categories of capital acquisition cases.
This, the Ministry said, would help in achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in critical manufacturing technologies and lifecycle sustenance of defence platforms and equipment through indigenous manufacturing.
The Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
What are Rafale-M jets?
Rafale Marine fighter jets are the naval version of the Rafale is designed to operate from aircraft carriers.
Rafale M features a number of other modifications to make it suitable for carrier operations, including:
A reinforced undercarriage to cope with the stresses of landing on a carrier deck.
A tail hook for arresting landings.
A "jump strut" nosewheel, which only extends during short takeoffs, including catapult launches.
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A built-in ladder for accessing the cockpit from the carrier deck.
A carrier-based microwave landing system.
A new fin-tip Telemir system for syncing the inertial navigation system to external equipment.
The Rafale M is also slightly heavier than the Rafale
Different radar system, the Thales RBE2-M, which is optimized for maritime operations.
Different electronic warfare suite, the Thales SPECTRA, which is also optimized for maritime operations.
The ability to carry a wider range of weapons, including anti-ship missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
India and Rafale jets
India has already procured 36 Rafale jets from France for its Air Force under a mega Rs 59,000 crore deal that was inked in September 2016.
The newly proposed inter-governmental agreement for the 26 Rafale-M fighters includes the purchase of 22 single-seat jets and four twin-seat trainers, along with associated equipment, weapons, simulators, spares, crew training, and logistic support.
India's aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant have been operating the MiG-29s so far and need the Rafales for operations.
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