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4h ago

India and France Finalize ₹63,000-Crore Deal for 26 Rafale Marine Jets

The agreement strengthens India's naval airpower with advanced carrier-based fighters and includes technology transfer and indigenous manufacturing provisions.

Image
The first French Navy Rafale M in the latest standard known as "F4" on display at the Paris Air Show 2024. Picture by Xavier Vavasseur
Rafale fighter jet taxis on the tarmac during its induction ceremony at an air force station in Ambala, India, September 10, 2020. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi/File Photo
A French multirole fighter aircraft Rafale takes part in a practice session for a simulated landing on a aircraft carrier at the French Navy airbase of Landivisiau in Saint-Servais.

Overview

  • India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine jets, including 22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters, for ₹63,000 crore.
  • The jets are set to replace the ageing MiG-29K fleet and will be deployed on aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
  • The deal includes a comprehensive package covering weapons, simulators, spares, personnel training, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India.
  • Technology transfer provisions will enable indigenous weapons integration and the establishment of a Rafale fuselage production facility, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2031, raising India's total Rafale fleet to 62 and bolstering its 4.5-generation fighter strength.