India, France to Sign ₹63,000 Crore Rafale Marine Deal Today
India and France are poised to sign a ₹63,000 crore agreement today for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, bolstering the Indian Navy’s carrier-borne air capabilities.
India and France are set to formalize a ₹63,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft on Monday, according to defence officials cited by news agency ANI. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will represent the Indian side, while the French Ambassador to India will sign on behalf of France.
Defence ministers from both countries are expected to attend the signing ceremony remotely, sources said. Along with the government-to-government (G2G) agreement, several ancillary government-to-business (G2B) contracts are also slated to be signed, further boosting bilateral defence ties.
The acquisition of Rafale M jets is critical for enhancing the operational capability of India’s newly commissioned aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The current Mig-29K fleet, which has faced persistent maintenance challenges, will be supported by the newly inducted Rafales.
The 26 jets include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater variants, customized to meet Indian operational requirements. They will be equipped with a comprehensive fleet maintenance package, logistical support, personnel training modules, and a roadmap for indigenous manufacturing of critical components.
On April 9, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the landmark acquisition, marking it as India’s largest-ever defence deal.
Officials have emphasized that the Rafale M jets are a crucial stopgap measure until India’s indigenous carrier-borne fighter project reaches operational status.
The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft under a 2016 deal, stationed at Ambala and Hasimara airbases. The new Marine variant will complement the Navy’s air wing, ensuring India’s maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Today’s signing is expected to not only bolster India’s naval aviation capabilities but also deepen Indo-French strategic ties. Defence experts see this as a major step towards enhancing India’s readiness for future maritime challenges.
