To make the Indian Air Force more powerful, talks between India and France to purchase 114 new Rafale fighter jets have intensified. According to sources, this time India is adamant on a big condition in this mega-deal of about $40 billion (about Rs 3.3 lakh crore). India wants that Indian-made missiles can be installed in these French fighter planes and for this it does not have to depend on France again and again.
The most important point of this deal is regarding ‘Interface Control Documents’ (ICDs). These are highly secret technical blueprints and software codes that tell how the aircraft’s computer coordinates with its missiles and weapons.
India’s argument
If France hands over these documents to India, then the Indian Air Force will be able to fit its indigenous ‘Astra’ beyond-visual-range missile and the upcoming BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missile into the Rafale on its own without any French help.
France’s concern
France is hesitant in sharing its cutting-edge technology (Intellectual Property). He fears that in the process of connecting missiles like BrahMos, made in collaboration between India and Russia, to Rafale, secret technology of western countries may be leaked.
At present, officials of both the countries are trying to find a middle path so that India’s work gets done and France’s software secrets also remain safe.
Grand round of meetings in June
The month of June is going to be very important for finalizing this important deal. Many meetings are likely to be held regarding this deal this month. If things are resolved then a deal is expected by the end of 2026.
Air Force Chief Visits: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh is on a tour of France, where he will also participate in the ‘Eurosatory Defense Exhibition’ to be held in Paris.
PM Modi’s visit: Soon after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the 52nd G-7 summit to be held in Évian-les-Bains, France from June 15 to 17.
The Indian leadership is trying to sign this agreement by the end of 2026 by resolving the issues related to price, delivery dates and manufacturing in India (there are plans to make 94 jets in India under Make in India).
Game-plan of ‘Astra’ and ‘Meter’ missiles
The Indian Air Force currently has a stock of about 350 to 500 of the world’s deadliest ‘Meteor’ missiles. These missiles are so expensive and advanced that they are reserved only for large targets like enemy radar planes or mid-air refueling tankers.
The Air Force wants the Indian-made ‘Astra Mk1 and Mk2’ missiles to be used on Rafale for routine air patrols, so that the precious missiles remain safe in times of war.
Why is Rafale necessary against Pakistan’s J-35?
This deal is very important for India in view of the decreasing fighter squadrons (number of aircraft) in the Air Force. Especially when neighboring country Pakistan is preparing to buy state-of-the-art J-35 stealth (undetectable by radar) fighter jet from China. India’s own fifth generation stealth aircraft (AMCA) will not be ready before the mid-2030s, so Rafale will remain the biggest Alexander in the Indian skies for the next decade.
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