New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved a major government-to-government defence deal with France for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy.
India’s largest-ever fighter jet deal, estimated to be worth over Rs 63,000 crore, is expected to be formalised in the coming weeks.
As per the deal, the Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seater jets along with four twin-seater variants and a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing components under offset obligations. The deal also includes training for Navy personnel.
The Rafale Marine is the naval version of the French Rafale.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave approval to the deal.
The Rafale Marine jets are intended for deployment on India’s indigenous aircraft carriers and will significantly enhance the Navy’s air power at sea.
The Rafale Marine, a carrier-based version of the combat-proven Rafale fighter, is known for its advanced avionics, weapons systems, and operational versatility.
Deliveries of Rafale M planes are planned to begin about four years after the contract is finalised. The Indian Navy is expected to receive the first batch by the end of 2029, with the full order due to be finished by 2031.
The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets at its bases in Ambala and Hashimara.
Once delivered, these jets will operate from India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous INS Vikrant, replacing the ageing MiG-29K fleet.
The Rafale M is especially built for carrier-based operations, with stronger landing gear, arrester hooks, and a strengthened frame to carry out Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations, which are used to launch and recover aircraft from ships.
