Indian Defence Delegation Meets French Officials In Paris; Rafale Marine Program Formally Launched

A high-level Indian defence delegation, led by Joint Secretary and Acquisition Supervisor (Maritime Techniques) Dinesh Kumar, met with French defence officers on the Paris Air Present, marking a pivotal second in India-France defence cooperation.

The French facet was headed by Lt Gen Gael Diaz De Tuesta, Director Basic of Armament. This assembly formally launched the Rafale Marine program, a major step in India’s efforts to strengthen its naval strike capabilities.

The Rafale Marine fighter jet, particularly designed for plane service operations, will complement the Indian Air Drive’s present fleet of Rafale jets, thereby enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational attain and suppleness in maritime domains.

Concurrently, Chief of Naval Workers Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi participated within the twelfth Key Chief Engagement, hosted just about by US Navy’s Pacific Fleet Admiral Stephen T. Koehler.

This strategic discussion board introduced collectively leaders from 19 nations, the place Admiral Tripathi articulated his imaginative and prescient for “attaining maritime safety within the Indo-Pacific by way of innovation and know-how”.

He emphasised the essential function of superior applied sciences—resembling synthetic intelligence, autonomous methods, and safe communications—in making certain strong maritime safety and operational superiority for the Indian Navy.

Admiral Tripathi additionally addressed the evolving nature of warfare, highlighting the enduring significance of non-contact warfare, together with drones, loitering munitions, and the rising want for efficient counter-drone methods, which weren’t a spotlight a decade in the past.

Additional reinforcing India’s dedication to indigenous defence capabilities, Admiral Tripathi visited Photo voltaic Industries India Ltd’s headquarters in Nagpur, accompanied by Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal. 

He reviewed the manufacturing processes of assorted defence merchandise, together with drones, Unmanned Aerial Techniques (UAS), and the Bhargavastra Counter-Unmanned Aerial System. Admiral Tripathi praised the progress made by the non-public sector and underscored the need for synergy between private and non-private sectors in India’s defence ecosystem, given the latter’s comparatively latest entry into defence manufacturing.

The demonstration of superior indigenous applied sciences, resembling long-range missiles and counter-drone methods, displays India’s drive in direction of self-reliance and innovation in defence manufacturing.

Collectively, these developments—formalising the Rafale Marine program, advancing multilateral maritime safety cooperation, and fostering indigenous technological innovation—underscore India’s strategic deal with enhancing its naval capabilities and securing its pursuits within the Indo-Pacific area.

Primarily based On ANI Report