Masterstroke by Modi govt, India to ink Rs 63000 crore deal with this country for…, deal likely on….

New Delhi: In a major move to improve its defence capabilities, India is expected to sign a major deal with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. It will be the largest deal ever between the two countries and a milestone in New Delhi’s defence sector. The deal is likely to be signed on April 28, as per reports. According to news agency ANI, the deal for the Rafale Marine aircraft will be signed in the presence of French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

ANI reported that the defence deal, estimated to be worth Rs 63,000 crore, will be signed in the presence of senior officials.

Where Will The Rafale Deal Be Signed?

Sources indicate that a deal, as reported by ANI, is expected to be finalised in New Delhi near the Defence Ministry. The French Defence Minister is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi Sunday evening and leave Monday evening.

Largest-Ever Defence Deal

India finalised a major government-to-government agreement with France on April 9th, purchasing 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. This represents India’s largest-ever defence procurement.

This contract will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater fighter jets. The deal will also include a comprehensive package for personnel training, fleet maintenance, logistical support, and indigenous manufacturing of major components.

India’s defence ministry authorised the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines from France in July 2023. The Rafale jets are intended for deployment on the INS Vikrant, India’s domestically built aircraft carrier.

New Rafale Marine Combat Aircraft

The new Rafale Marine fighter jets will be inducted into INS Vikrant and will support the Mig-29 K fleet.

Notably, the Indian Air Force already has 36 Rafale aircraft, which were acquired under a separate deal inked in 2016. These Rafale jets operate from Ambala and Hashinara bases.

After this deal, India will have 62 Rafale fighter jets, increasing the number of 4.5-plus-generation aircraft in its arsenal.

The Indian Air Force is preparing to release a tender for multirole fighter aircraft, though they have expressed a preference for a specific model to address their urgent needs.

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