India and France are set to formally sign a defence agreement on Monday for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, a deal valued at over Rs 63,000 crore, according to defence officials.
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of the 26 Rafale-M aircraft for the Indian Navy on April 9, 2025. The contract encompasses 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, along with a comprehensive suite for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and the manufacturing of indigenous components.
A formal announcement ceremony is scheduled for later today, presided over by the French Ambassador to India and the Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Nausena Bhawan in Delhi.
The advanced Rafale-M fighter jets are slated to operate from India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, significantly enhancing the nation’s maritime power and its ability to counter threats in the Indian Ocean region.
The Rafale-M is widely regarded as one of the most capable aircraft of its class globally and is currently operated exclusively by the French Navy.
The acquisition will provide the Indian Navy with 22 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, bolstering its existing fleet of MiG-29K fighters.
While the signing is proceeding, a previously planned visit by the French Defence Minister has been rescheduled for a later date due to health reasons, officials said.Deliveries of the Rafale-M jets are anticipated to commence about four years after the signing of the deal, with the Indian Navy expected to begin receiving the aircraft by the end of 2029 and the entire order completed by 2031.
