India's Strategic Defense Deals: Rafale Boost, Submarine Deal, and Questions on Foreign Policies
India's decision to purchase 26 Rafale M fighter jets and three Scorpene class submarines from France marks a significant boost for the Indian Navy's fighter fleet. The advanced naval fighters will be primarily deployed on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, replacing the aging MiG-29K fleet. The purchase highlights the issues with the MiG-29K's airframe and engine, as highlighted in a 2015 report by the Comptroller Auditor General. The deal holds significant importance in meeting the operational needs of the Indian Navy, as the induction of the indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) is still a few years away.