India Clears Rs 63,000-Crore Deal for 26 Rafale Marine Jets; CCS Approves Biggest-Ever Fighter Jet Acquisition for Navy

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New Delhi: In a historic move to bolster India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the country’s largest-ever fighter jet procurement — the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal, valued at over Rs 63,000 crore, will be executed through a government-to-government agreement with France.

The high-value contract includes 22 single-seater Rafale M (Marine) jets and four twin-seater trainer variants, tailored for carrier-based operations. Alongside the aircraft, the agreement also encompasses a comprehensive support package covering fleet maintenance, logistics, training of personnel, and a push for indigenous manufacturing through offset obligations.

This significant step comes as a part of India’s efforts to modernise its armed forces and reinforce its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Rafale M jets are expected to operate from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, enhancing the Navy’s aerial strike capabilities at sea.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 36 Rafale fighter jets from its Ambala and Hashimara airbases. The Navy deal is also expected to positively impact the IAF, especially with the planned upgrade of the “buddy-buddy” aerial refuelling system, which will enable around 10 IAF Rafales to refuel others mid-air, thus significantly extending operational range and mission endurance.

The deal is expected to be officially signed later this month during the anticipated visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu to India. As per defence sources, deliveries are likely to commence five years after the final agreement is inked.

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