India clears mega deal to buy 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France for Navy

Cabinet Committee on Security gave final approval to the deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy worth over $7bn. This includes 22 single seater carrier compliant jets and four twin seater trainers.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave final approval to the deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy worth over $7bn. This includes 22 single seater carrier compliant jets and four twin seater trainers.

The deal, worth over ₹63,000 crore, will be executed under a government-to-government agreement with France, ANI has reported quoting government sources.

It also comprises a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing components under offset obligations.

Deliveries of the Rafale-M jets are expected to begin approximately five years after the deal is signed. These fighters will be deployed on INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, and will complement the Navy's existing MiG-29K fleet.

In pictures | Might over the sea

The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 36 Rafale jets at its bases in Ambala and Hashimara. The new Rafale Marine deal will also help enhance the IAF's capabilities, including upgrading its "buddy-buddy" aerial refuelling system.

Defence sources told ANI earlier that the deal will likely include ground-based equipment and software upgrades for the IAF fleet. Additionally, the Navy will need to install specialised equipment on its aircraft carriers to support the operations of the 4.5-generation Rafale jets.