India and France are negotiating a Rs 50,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets. If finalised, these aircraft will be deployed on the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

Why the Rafale M? The French Rafale M emerged as the frontrunner against its competitor, the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Why does the Navy need a new fighter jet? The Indian Navy’s current fleet, primarily composed of ageing Sukhoi jets, is becoming obsolete. This decline in capability is driving the urgent need for new, modern fighters.

But how does the Rafale M differ from the IAF’s Rafale? Interestingly, the Rafale M predates the Air Force version. Despite this, France completed the delivery of all 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force in December 2022, following a Rs 59,000-crore deal signed in September 2016. Why didn't the Navy and Air Force consolidate their orders together? A joint deal could have potentially reduced post-purchase costs.

And why the repeated trials? If the government had already determined that the Rafale M was the best choice, why did they conduct another contest only to choose the same fighter jet again?

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