India-France SCALP Missile Deal: Boosting IAF's Rafale Fleet with €300M Arsenal

India and France are advancing toward a significant deal worth approximately €300 million for SCALP cruise missiles, which were previously used successfully by the Indian Air Force in Operation Sindoor. The missiles, launched from Rafale jets alongside BrahMos, precisely destroyed terrorist headquarters in Pakistan. This procurement is part of a broader modernization effort, including orders for Meteor air-to-air missiles and plans for 114 additional Rafale aircraft. The Rafale fleet is poised to become the mainstay of the IAF, with numbers expected to reach around 200 over the next decade.

Key Points: India-France €300M SCALP Cruise Missile Deal for Rafale Jets

  • €300M deal for SCALP missiles
  • Used in Operation Sindoor strikes
  • Integration with Rafale fighter jets
  • Part of larger IAF modernization
  • Includes Navy's Rafale Marine fleet
2 min read

India-France eyeing major Euro 300 million deal for SCALP cruise missiles

India nears major deal with France for SCALP cruise missiles, enhancing Rafale fleet after successful strikes in Operation Sindoor.

"A significant number of SCALP Cruise missiles are being ordered by the Indian Air Force from France, and discussions are underway. - Defence Officials"

New Delhi, February 8

India and France are looking to sign a major deal for buying a significant number of SCALP cruise missiles that were used by the Indian Air Force to destroy the terrorist headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohamed and Lashkar-e-Toiba inside Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last year.

A significant number of SCALP Cruise missiles are being ordered by the Indian Air Force from France, and discussions are underway. A decision in this regard is expected to be made soon, defence officials told ANI.

The SCALP missiles were launched by the Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets along with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to take out the terrorist headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur districts of Pakistan. The targets were completely destroyed in the attacks by the Indian Air Force with pinpoint accuracy, they said.

The Indian Air Force will use cruise missiles with its fleet of Rafale aircraft.

After the successful destruction of terrorist headquarters in Pakistan on the night of May 6-7, the Air Force used them again in a big way to strike at Pakistan Air Force bases.

The Indian Air Force had hit 12 major air bases of the Pakistan Air Force and destroyed a large number of high-value targets, including fighter jets and spy planes on the ground.

The IAF is also in the process of ordering a huge number of Meteor air to air missile for its fleet of Rafale jets.

The missile will also be integrated into the 26 Rafale Marine fighters ordered for the Indian Navy, which are expected to arrive over the next three to four years.

After the performance of Rafale fighter jets in the Operation Aindoor and increasing threat perception in the region, the Indian Air Force is also going to place orders for another set of 114 Rafale combat aircraft, which are likely to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council in the next few days.

The Rafale aircraft is all set to be the mainstay of the Indian Air Force in the next few years, with its numbers expected to be around 200 in the next 10-15 years.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While bolstering defense is crucial, I hope this massive expenditure is accompanied by equal focus on social welfare and infrastructure. The budget needs balance.
A
Aditya G
Rafale + SCALP + BrahMos is a deadly combination! The precision strikes last year sent a clear message. More power to our IAF. 💪
P
Priyanka N
Good to see the Navy's Rafale-M will also get these missiles. A unified, modern arsenal across all forces is the need of the hour given the security challenges in our region.
R
Rahul R
The deal size is huge. I just hope there's complete transparency in the process and we are getting the best possible terms. Atmanirbhar Bharat should remain the ultimate goal for such critical tech.
K
Kavya N
Reading about the successful strikes again gives me goosebumps. Our forces need the best tools to protect the nation. This procurement is essential.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50