New Delhi: India and France on Monday concluded a deal for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal worth Rs 63,000 crore was signed at the Nau Sena Bhawan in New Delhi. The Indian side was represented by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and he was joined by Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K Swaminathan.
Historic achievement for Indian Navy
The 63,000 crore deal between the 2 countries for the purchase of the fighter jets (Rafale)is being seen as a major achievement for the Navy. This will help strengthen India’s maritime power, amidst the growing security threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
The top level officials from both countries were present for the signing of the deal. The Defence Ministers of both countries joined the ceremony virtually. The final approval for the deal was given on April 9, 2025 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
#WATCH | Delhi | The Intergovernmental agreement was exchanged between the two sides in the presence of Defence Secretary RK Singh and Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K Swaminathan.
(Source: Indian Navy) https://t.co/6Z4UhJ4ypY pic.twitter.com/R3Z0o9RAuA
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025
Under this deal, India will get 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seater jets. The single seater jets are specifically required for operations from aircraft carriers. The twin seater fighter jets will mostly be used for training pilots and operational preparedness. This deal will ensure operation of Rafale-M jets from Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya and enhance the Navy’s strike and surveillance capabilities.
India currently has 36 Rafale fighter jets and this new purchase will only add to the country’s military strength. The current lot of jets is used by the Indian Air Force.
