India and France will most likely ink an agreement for India to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The agreement, which is being billed as the largest ever between the two nations and India’s defence establishment, is most likely to be signed on April 28, a report has indicated.
According to a report from news agency ANI, the agreement will be finalized in front of French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu. This Rafale deal, valued at ₹63,000 crore, is set to be signed in the presence of high-ranking officials from both nations, ANI reported.
Where will India and France sign the Rafale deal?
The agreement is expected to be finalized in India, near the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block, according to an ANI report citing sources. On Sunday evening, the French Defense Minister is expected to arrive in India, and he is expected to leave by Monday evening.
India approves its biggest defence deal
New Delhi had sealed its largest-ever defence deal with Paris for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets last month on April 9 in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by the Indian Prime Minister through a government-to-government agreement.
This agreement will consist of 22 single-seater and four twin-seater combat aircraft, along with a complete maintenance package for the fleet, logistical support, personnel training, and local production of components.
In July 2023, the defence ministry approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale (naval) fighters from France, intended mainly for operations aboard the indigenously constructed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Additionally, the ministry also authorized the purchase of three Scorpene submarines from France.
What are the advanced Rafale Marine fighter jets?
They will be based out of INS Vikrant and augment the existing Mig-29 K fleet.
Indian Air Force currently has a fleet of 36 aircraft bought under a previous deal signed in 2016. In the Indian Air Force, Rafale fighter jets are based at Ambala and Hashinara.
The 26 Rafale-Ms purchase will put the overall total of Rafale jets at 62 and complement the power of 4.5-plus-generation aircraft in India’s inventory. The Indian Air Force will almost certainly issue a new tender soon for competition to buy multirole fighter jets. The Indian Air Force, nevertheless, has shown enthusiasm to induct a certain aircraft to plug its pressing gap.
