India, France Set to Ink ₹63,000 Crore Rafale Marine Jet Deal on April 28: Report

India and France are expected to finalize an agreement for New Delhi to purchase 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. Described as the largest deal ever between the two nations and India's defense sector, the agreement is likely to be signed on April 28, according to reports.

Rafale-M of the French Navy takes off during the bilateral naval exercise(NAVY-PRO)

According to news agency ANI, the deal will be signed in the presence of French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

The Rafale deal is estimated to be worth ₹63,000 crore and will be finalized with senior officials from both countries in attendance, ANI reports.

Where is the Rafale deal between India and France expected to be signed?

According to a report by ANI citing sources, the deal is expected to be signed in New Delhi, outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block.

The French Defence Minister is likely to arrive in New Delhi on Sunday evening and leave by late Monday evening.

India Approves Record-Breaking Defence Deal

Earlier this month, on April 9, India approved its largest-ever defense deal for 26 Rafale-Marine combat aircraft with France during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under a government-to-government agreement.

This deal includes 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seat jets, along with a comprehensive package covering fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and the manufacturing of indigenous components.

In July 2023, the Ministry of Defence had given its approval for the purchase of these 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, primarily to be deployed on the domestically built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Additionally, the ministry had also cleared the procurement of three Scorpene submarines from France.

What are the latest Rafale Marine fighter jets?

These fighters will be deployed aboard INS Vikrant and will complement the existing fleet of Mig-29 Ks.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale jets, acquired through a separate agreement signed in 2016. These Rafale jets are based at Ambala and Hashinara.

The acquisition of 26 Rafale-M aircraft will bring the total number of Rafale jets to 62, enhancing India's arsenal with more advanced 4.5-plus-generation aircraft.

A new tender for multirole fighter aircraft from the IAF is expected to be issued soon.

However, the IAF has expressed strong interest in acquiring a specific aircraft to fulfill its immediate needs.

(This Article was originally published by Mint)