Indian Navy may end up paying twice the amount IAF had paid for the Rafael fighter jets: Report

New Delhi: As negotiations between Indian Navy and Dassault Aviation are underway to buy Rafael Marine Fighter Jets, a report has claimed that the French defence major may be selling the aircraft at twice the price of what it had sold for Indian Air Force.

Indian Air Force had bought the French-made fighter jets in 2016. Now, Indian Navy is in talks to buy its marine version. The reported cost of the deal at Rs $6 billion for 26 aircraft seems nearly double of what IAF paid earlier as the “base price” of 36 Jets, Businessworld newspaper said in a report citing defence experts.

Business Standard cited defence experts as saying that this time, India should be saving on various ancillary costs since, just like in France where the navy and the air force operate the Rafael fighters, India may also follow a similar model as the IAF already has 36 jets.

The maintenance and storage for the Rafael is common in France. Businessworld report said that similarly if India decides to go in for common maintenance and stores, the cost of the overall contract can come down.

The IAF has set up two Rafael squadrons which have their stores and simulators, and thus, training facilities have already been set up, including the simulator.

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