India signs Rs 63,000 crore Rafale deal

New Delhi

India has signed a major Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, boosting the Navy’s strength amid growing security threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The deal, under an Inter-Governmental Agreement, includes 22 single-seaters and four twin-seater trainers, with deliveries expected between 2028 and 2031.

This agreement follows final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier this month. The Rafale-M jets, built by Dassault Aviation, will be deployed on aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya to enhance India's maritime defense.

The deal covers not just the aircraft but also weapons, simulators, spares, training, logistics support, and local manufacturing of some parts under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' push for self-reliance.

The Rafale-M is a multirole fighter armed with Meteor air-to-air missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and long-range cruise missiles. It is designed for tough sea conditions, featuring folding wings, a strong undercarriage, and landing gear for carrier operations.

Additionally, the deal will support the 36 Rafale jets already serving the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2016. The IAF operates two Rafale squadrons based in Ambala and Hasimara, close to the borders with Pakistan and China.

Officials highlight that operating Rafale-M jets alongside the IAF's Rafales will offer common benefits in training, maintenance, and logistics. The strong and tested Rafale-M aircraft will significantly bolster India’s military power in air and sea operations.