Aerospace

Indian Defence Ministry greenlights Rafale purchase, France ready to offer naval SCALP missile

The Indian defense ministry has given preliminary approval to buy 26 Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene class submarines built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in collaboration with France’s Naval Group. The news comes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day trip to the western region. France has apparently agreed to arm the Scorpene submarines with air-independent propulsion with a naval cruise missile.

According to an official statement from the Defence Ministry, three recommendations were approved today during a meeting convened by Rajnath Singh.

Indian Navy to buy Rafale M fighter plane after IAF?(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Indian Navy will receive four trainer aircraft in addition to 22 single-seat Rafale Marine aircraft under the proposals. Due to shortages brought on by the nation’s security concerns, the Navy has been advocating for the rapid acquisition of these fighter planes and submarines.

Why is there no two-seater Rafale variant for the naval version?(Opens in a new browser tab)

To satisfy urgent needs, the Indian Navy has been granted approval to purchase 26 Rafale M combat jets. Meanwhile, a formal signing of the agreement was scheduled because negotiations would take time. The claimed jets are projected to cost roughly 5.5 billion euros.

According to the report, India would build six submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, with authorization for another three. The additional submarines are projected to cost roughly 4 billion euros.

France is also anticipated to announce a technology transfer of helicopter engines to India, reflecting the trust and depth of the strategic alliance. This will enable India to achieve technological self-sufficiency in a crucial field and pave the way for Indo-French cooperation in engines over the next three to four decades.

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Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.