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The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared a ₹63,000 crore deal with France to procure 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, senior officials confirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet Committee on Security has approved a ₹63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, senior officials said.
The government-to-government deal includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale-M jets, specifically designed for naval operations.
The Navy will use these jets to counter China’s growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
France will supply weapons, simulators, spares, training, and logistics support as part of the deal.
Dassault Aviation will manufacture the Rafale-M jets.
The company will begin deliveries 37 to 65 months after the two sides sign the final contract.
Officials expect all aircraft to arrive by 2030–31.
The deal will also provide spares and logistics support for the 36 Rafale jets that the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted under a ₹59,000 crore agreement signed in 2016.
The IAF operates two Rafale squadrons:
- The first squadron is based at Ambala, and
- The second is at Hasimara in West Bengal, close to the China border
These jets boost India’s air power in both eastern and western sectors.
The French Navy currently operates the Rafale-M from its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
The aircraft can withstand harsh maritime conditions and corrosion.
By using the Rafale-M, the Navy will align its fleet with the IAF’s fighters.
This alignment will simplify training, maintenance, and logistics.
Earlier, the Defense Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the Navy’s plan to acquire the 26 Rafale-M jets.
The Rafale fighter jets for Indian Navy will significantly strengthen India’s maritime defense and operational readiness.
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