India has approved a Rs 63,000 crore deal to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France, with the agreement expected to be signed during French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s visit this month.

Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, the deal includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale-M jets for the Indian Navy.

The package covers fleet maintenance, logistics, training, and offset obligations to boost indigenous manufacturing. It also includes upgrades, equipment, and spares for the 36 Rafale jets already in service with the IAF.

The new Rafale-M jets will be delivered within 37 to 65 months, with full induction expected by 2030–31. The Defence Ministry had approved the procurement in July 2023 for deployment on INS Vikrant.

The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets at Ambala and Hasimara airbases, and the new deal will enhance its capabilities, including an upgraded “buddy buddy” aerial refuelling system.

The Navy will need to install specialised equipment on aircraft carriers to operate the 4.5-generation Rafale jets and is also planning to induct indigenous fifth-generation Rafale jets developed by DRDO.

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