New Delhi [India], April 28 (ANI): India and France on Monday formalized a ₹63,000 crore defense agreement for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft, marking a major advancement in India’s naval aviation capabilities.
The agreement was signed at the Defence Ministry headquarters at South Block in the national capital, the Indian Navy announced.
The Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the deal earlier this month.
Representing France at the signing ceremony was the French Ambassador to India, while Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation. Both nations’ Defence Ministers participated in the proceedings remotely. Originally, the French Defence Minister was scheduled to attend in person but had to cancel his visit due to personal reasons.
The Indian Navy urgently requires new fighter jets for deployment on its aircraft carriers, as the current MiG-29K fleet has reportedly faced performance issues stemming from maintenance challenges. The newly acquired Rafale Marine jets are slated for deployment aboard the INS Vikrant, which is presently operational.
The government-to-government agreement covers the purchase of 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale M jets, each tailored to meet India’s specific operational requirements and optimized for aircraft carrier integration.
These carrier-based fighters are being procured as an interim measure, bridging the gap until the indigenous development of India’s own carrier-borne fighter jet is completed.
In addition to the aircraft, the contract includes a comprehensive support package encompassing maintenance, logistics, training, and the production of indigenous components.
The Rafale M jets will augment the capabilities of INS Vikrant while also complementing the existing MiG-29K fleet.
The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft acquired through a separate deal finalized in 2016, with deployments at Ambala and Hasimara air bases.
With this latest procurement, India’s total Rafale fleet will expand to 62 aircraft, significantly enhancing the nation’s strength in the 4.5-generation fighter aircraft category. (ANI)
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