India and France on Monday signed a ₹63,000 crore defence agreement for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft.

 

The agreement was signed at the Defence Ministry headquarters at South Block in New Delhi, the Indian Navy said. The Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the deal earlier this month.

 

Representing France was its Ambassador to India, while Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation. The Defence Ministers of both countries also attended the signing ceremony remotely. The French Defence Minister was initially scheduled to attend in person but had to cancel his visit due to personal reasons.

 

The Indian Navy urgently requires new carrier-borne fighter jets to replace its aging MiG-29K fleet, which has faced operational challenges due to maintenance issues. The newly acquired Rafale Marine aircraft are expected to be deployed aboard INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier currently in service.

 

The government-to-government contract includes the purchase of 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale M jets, specially configured to meet Indian requirements and integrate with Indian aircraft carriers.

 

This procurement serves as an interim solution until India develops its own carrier-borne fighter aircraft. The contract also includes a comprehensive package covering maintenance support, logistics, training, and the manufacturing of indigenous components.

 

The Rafale M jets will operate alongside the existing MiG-29K fleet on INS Vikrant, enhancing the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities.

 

The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale aircraft acquired through a separate deal signed in 2016, with squadrons based in Ambala and Hasimara.

 

With the new acquisition, India’s Rafale fleet will grow to 62 aircraft, significantly strengthening its inventory of 4.5-generation fighter jets. (ANI)