India and France have finalized a deal worth Rs 63,000 crore for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets.

India and France have formalized a significant defense agreement valued at Rs 63,000 crore for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The signing ceremony took place on Monday, with India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K Swaminathan representing the Indian side, while the defense ministers of both nations participated remotely. The acquisition of these advanced combat aircraft is deemed critical for enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, particularly for deployment on the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, which is currently operational. The existing fleet of MiG-29K fighters has faced challenges, primarily due to maintenance issues, prompting the urgent need for a more reliable solution. The Rafale M jets will be tailored to fulfill specific Indian requirements and will be integrated into the INS Vikrant, serving as a temporary measure until the development of a homegrown carrier-borne fighter jet is finalized. This landmark deal was approved on April 9 during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a pivotal moment in India’s defense procurement strategy.