India to Buy 114 Rafales for Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Amid Tejas Delays
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims + Mains·
Defence procurement vs indigenization: a GS3 case study on balancing Atmanirbhar Bharat with immediate security needs.
Why in news
Defence Secretary RK Singh stated that India will continue acquiring Rafale fighters despite indigenous Tejas development to address squadron shortages caused by production delays.
Background
India is negotiating for 114 additional Rafale fighters under a Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal. Deliveries are expected from French production lines and Indian lines by 2030-31.
Facts for Prelims
- FactProposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighters for Rs 3.25 lakh crore
- S&TTejas Mk-1A and Mk-2 are indigenous fighter jets being developed by India
- PostRK Singh serves as India's Defence Secretary
- FactDeliveries of Rafales are expected by 2030-31
Prelims practice question
What is the expected delivery timeframe for the proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighters?
- (a)2030-31
- (b)2028-29
- (c)2025-26
- (d)2035-36
Show answer
Answer: (a) 2030-31 — The note states that deliveries of the Rafales are expected by 2030-31.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in balancing the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative with the immediate requirements of maintaining a high-readiness fighter fleet.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Production bottleneck: Delays in Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2 deliveries by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- Strategic trade-off: Balancing long-term indigenous manufacturing goals with immediate squadron strength requirements
- Supply chain dependency: Reliance on French production lines for high-performance fighter aircraft
Keywords: Atmanirbhar Bharat · Defence Procurement · Indigenization · Strategic Autonomy · Squadron Strength
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