Rafale Boost: After Air Force, Indian Navy Set To Get 26 French Fighter Jets Worth Rs 63,000 Crore
The deal will be signed later this month when French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu visits India.
India is set to add 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets to its Navy taking its the total fleet size of Rafale fighter jets to 62. The deal with the French goverment costs Rs 63,000 crore, NDTV reported, citing sources.
The deal will be signed later this month when the French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu visits India. Delivery will happen five years after the deal is signed, the report added.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale jets out of two bases. The new deal includes fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing of components under offset obligation. The Defense Ministry considered the purchase for the first time in July 2023, when it contacted the French counterpart, NDTV report said.
This is the first major upgrade for the Indian Navy. Rafale M is considered the world's most advanced naval fighter jet. These jets will be inducted into INS Vikrant to strengthen India's maritime capabilities. The additional 26-fleet will complement the existing MiG 29Ks, which will continue to operate from INS Vikramaditya, India's second and oldest aircraft carrier.
