New Delhi, April 9: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 63,000 crore deal to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy. This marks India’s largest-ever fighter jet acquisition. The deal includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets, along with fleet maintenance, training, and logistical support.
Deliveries are expected to commence roughly five years after the signing of the agreement.
These 4.5 generation carrier-borne fighter jets are set to be deployed on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, significantly enhancing naval airpower.
They will operate alongside the existing MiG-29K fleet, which will continue flying from INS Vikramaditya.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) already maintains 36 Rafale jets across its Ambala and Hashimara bases. The Marine variant will further strengthen the Indian Armed Forces’ operational capabilities.
The purchase will also feature aerial refueling upgrades, potentially extending the range of the Rafale jets.
The Indian Navy is also eyeing future indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets for its long-term plans.
