This Thursday, July 13, 2023, the Indian Ministry of Defense finally confirmed its desire to buy the three long-awaited Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale Marines from France. The choice of the Rafale Marine follows a competition between the French aircraft and the American F/A-18 to equip the Indian Navy’s STOBAR aircraft carriers.
Finally an official announcement: India agrees to Rafale fighters and Scorpene submarines
This Thursday, July 13, India approved in principle the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and three Scorpène class submarines. The announcement comes a day before the national holiday of July 14 and its traditional military parade, of which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the guest of honor.
India’s Defense Acquisition Board approved the two purchase proposals, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement. The price and other conditions have yet to be negotiated with the French government.
