India selects naval version of Rafale: Dassault Aviation

French aerospace group and aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation announced today that the Indian government has selected the naval version of the Rafale fighter to equip the Indian Navy with its latest generation fighter.
On July 13, the Ministry of Defense approved the purchase of 26 Rafale fighters from France. The documents released after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on July 14 made no mention of the Rafale procurement.
“The Government of India has announced the selection of Naval Rafale to provide the Indian Navy with its latest generation fighter aircraft,” Dassault Aviation said in a statement. The decision follows “successful test operations in India during which the Navy’s Rafale has demonstrated that it fully meets the operational requirements of the Indian Navy and is fully compatible with carrier specifications.” said. “The Indian Navy’s 26 Rafale eventually joined the 36 Rafale already in service, fully satisfying the Indian Air Force, and India made the same military decision as France by using both versions of the aircraft. “To be the first country to secure its sovereignty in the air and at sea,” he said.
India has procured Rafale jets for use on the Indian-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. A French defense major said Rafale’s appointment demonstrated the superiority of the aircraft and the “extraordinary quality of Dassault Aviation’s partnership with the Indian military”, as well as the importance of strategic ties between India and France. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary of partnership with the Indian Armed Forces, I would like to thank the Indian authorities for this new vote of confidence and, on behalf of Dassault Aviation, pledge to fully meet the expectations of the Indian Navy.” said Eric Trapeer, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.