India Strengthens Military Cooperation with Europe

Reference News Network reported on February 15 According to the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on February 12, the massive arms sale agreement between France and India has entered its final stage. Indian authorities gave the green light on the 12th for the procurement of "Rafale" fighter jets. According to local media reports, this involves the purchase of 114 aircraft of this type, with a total value of up to 3.25 trillion rupees (approximately 35.8 billion USD).

The report states that the plan to procure 114 "Rafale" fighter jets has been in the works for several months. This deal will further strengthen India's ties with Europe. France and India have a long history of close cooperation in the defense sector, especially in aviation.

In India, media reports have mainly focused on the high price of this arms purchase. The Indian government has clearly emphasized in communications with the media that of the 114 "Rafale" fighter jets ordered, only 18 will be fully manufactured in France and will be combat-ready upon delivery to the Indian Air Force. According to New Delhi, the vast majority of the aircraft will be manufactured domestically, with at least 60% of the components produced in India—this aligns with Prime Minister Modi's "Make in India" initiative.

Previously, when planning to order six advanced submarines worth 8 billion euros from the German manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, New Delhi had promised to gain domestic public support by stating that these expensive weapons would be built in Mumbai, with as much as 50% of the components manufactured in India. Similar to the procurement of German submarines, domestic observers in India also have differing opinions on whether it is reasonable to award the order to foreign manufacturers regarding the "Rafale" fighter jets. (Translation/ Jiao Yu)