India has approved the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for its navy . This deal, worth over ₹63,000 crore (approximately $7.6 billion), is expected to be signed soon, with deliveries commencing 48 months later and concluding by 2031 .
Here’s a summary of the key details:
- Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the procurement of 26 Rafale-M jets from France for the Indian Navy .
- Deal Value: The deal is estimated to be worth over ₹63,000 crore . Some sources state ₹64,000 crore .
- Composition: The deal includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainer jets . The twin-seater trainer jets are not carrier-compatible .
- Timeline: The agreement is expected to be signed in April 2025, with deliveries starting 48 months later and concluding by 2031 . Delivery of the jets will begin three-and-a-half years after the contract is signed and is expected to be completed in about six-and-a-half years .
- Strategic Importance: The Rafale-M deal is a strategic move to secure India’s maritime dominance and address the shortage of carrier-based fighter jets . The commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, highlighted the need for more carrier-based fighter jets .
- Operational Necessity: The Indian Navy has been seeking a modern, dependable alternative to the MiG-29K jets, which have been plagued by reliability issues .
- INS Vikrant: The Indian Navy got the opportunity to witness the performance of the Rafale-M jets aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during the bilateral Varuna exercise last month .
