India concludes $7.4-billion deal with France to buy 26 Rafale jets
Rafale marine fighter jets to boost South Asian country’s naval presence
India has signed a deal to buy 26 Rafale marine fighter jets from France, the defence ministry spokesperson said on Monday, strengthening the South Asian country’s naval presence and surveillance abilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The deal, worth 640 billion rupees ($7.4 billion), includes four twin-seater trainer aircraft and the maintenance of 36 Rafale fighters India bought for its air force in 2016.
The remaining 22 jets are designed for a single pilot.
The fighter fleet will be based on the Indian Navy’s locally-manufactured aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant.
India currently has an aging fleet of Russian-made MiG-29K fighters, which are based on INS Vikramaditya — India’s second aircraft carrier.
The new French fighters will boost the Indian Navy’s credentials at a time it is presenting itself as a bulwark against China in the Indian Ocean region, which is home to busy trade routes.
The naval fighter deal has been a key part of discussions between the two sides since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in 2023.
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