Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals to buy 26 Rafale-Marine jets, 3 Scorpene submarines

NEW DELHI: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) , in a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday approved proposals to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and three Scorpene diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy. The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French government through an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).

The ministry said that the price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries. Further, integration of Indian designed equipments and establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Hub for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations.

Further the DAC also granted the AoN for procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category which will be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy, but also create significant employment opportunities in the domestic sector. It will also help the MDL in further enhancing its capability and expertise in submarine construction, an official of the Defence Ministry said.

According to the ministry, the DAC approved the proposal to lay down guidelines for achieving the desired indigenous content in all categories of capital acquisition cases. It will help in achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in critical manufacturing technologies and life-cycle sustenance of defence platforms and equipment through indigenous manufacturing.

Earlier, the proposals were discussed during high-level meetings at the ministry, following which they were place before the Council headed by the Union Defence Minister. (IANS)

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