Delhi, 28 April (H.S.): India and France will sign a substantial ₹63,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft on Monday in Delhi, according to defence officials. Representatives from the Indian defence ministry and the French Ambassador to India will be present at the signing.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is expected to represent India, while French and Indian defence ministers will attend remotely. The French Defence Minister had planned to attend but canceled due to personal reasons. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the deal earlier this month, as the Rafale Marine jets are urgently needed for deployment on Indian aircraft carriers, particularly the recently commissioned INS Vikrant. The existing MiG-29K fleet has faced maintenance challenges, necessitating this acquisition.
The Rafale M jets will be tailored to Indian specifications and integrated into INS Vikrant, serving as a temporary solution until an indigenous carrier-borne fighter jet is developed. The signing is anticipated to occur outside the Defence Ministry headquarters. The French Minister is scheduled to arrive in India on Sunday evening and depart Monday night.
This government-to-government contract includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, alongside comprehensive maintenance, logistical support, training, and indigenous manufacturing provisions. The addition will bring India’s Rafale fleet to 62, enhancing its aerial capabilities.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
