(IAF).
The move aims to upgrade the capabilities of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The acquisition is in the final stages of being cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
The Indian Air Force's fleet will have the capability to have buddy-buddy refueling, which will enable around 10 aircraft of the 36-plane fleet to refuel others in the air, defence sources told ANI.
The equipment for enabling this capability in the IAF fleet will aid in expanding the operational range of the aircraft, they stated.
They stated that they would acquire a lot of ground-based equipment to support their operations, as well as patches for upgrading the software.
The government-to-government agreement will result in the Navy receiving 22 single-seat and four twin-seat Rafale Marine fighter jets. This will necessitate the installation of a substantial amount of equipment on the carrier in order to enable the operation of the 4-5 generation Rafales from its deck.
The Indian Navy currently operates the MiG-29Ks, which are expected to be operated from the INS Vikramaditya in the near future.
It is also planning to acquire the indigenous fifth-generation aircraft, which will be developed over the next few years by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
. (ANI)