Expert Explains: Why induction of 26 new Rafale M aircraft matters for the Indian Navy

India and France on Monday signed a $7.4 billion (approximately Rs 63,000 crore) government-to-government contract for 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. Thirty-six Rafale aircraft were earlier inducted into the Indian Air Force from 2021 onward. Why is the induction of the Rafale M important in the context of the Indian Navy? First, what is meant by naval aviation? Naval aviation is the use of military air power by navies, involving aircraft that operate from warships — such as aircraft carriers and other aircraft — or helicopter-carrying surface combatants, or land bases to support naval…