Why India needs Rafale-M jets, how will its induction enhance Navy's strength in Indian Ocean Region?

In a major development aimed at enhancing India's defence capabilities, the government on Wednesday approved the Rs 63,000 crore deal for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft from France. The deal includes 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seat trainers. These jets, likely to be delivered in 3 to 5 years after the signing of the deal, may be deployed on India's indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

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