Indian Navy Eyes Indigenous Anti-Ship Expansion for Rafale-M
The Indian Navy is taking significant strides to enhance the combat capabilities of its recently acquired Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets by equipping them with locally developed anti-ship weaponry. This move aligns with India’s focus on self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.
The Navy plans to integrate indigenous anti-ship missiles and precision-guided munitions into the Rafale-M fleet. This development will not only bolster the fighter jets’ effectiveness in maritime operations but also reduce dependency on foreign arms suppliers.
Strengthening Maritime Strike Power
The Rafale-M, known for its advanced avionics, agility, and weapons integration capabilities, is expected to play a pivotal role in the Navy’s air combat and strike operations. By incorporating indigenously produced armaments, the Navy aims to tailor its fleet for specific operational requirements in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where maritime threats and challenges are evolving rapidly.
An unnamed Navy official emphasized, “The integration of indigenous weapon systems is a strategic move to ensure operational flexibility and enhance the Rafale-M’s combat potential in both offensive and defensive roles.”
Indigenous Weapons in Focus
Key weapon systems under consideration for integration include next-generation anti-ship missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These missiles boast extended range, enhanced accuracy, and robust countermeasure resistance. The project also includes advanced air-to-surface weapons capable of targeting high-value maritime assets.
The indigenous expansion aligns with previous initiatives where the Navy successfully incorporated local technology into platforms like the MiG-29K fighters and warships.
Enhancing Self-Reliance in Defense
This development represents another step forward in India’s journey toward defense self-reliance. By reducing reliance on imported weaponry, the Navy not only minimizes costs but also secures its operational autonomy.
As Rafale-M jets are integrated into carrier operations, the addition of locally produced weapons will amplify their role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, ensuring strategic preparedness in an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape.
