More bad news for Pakistan as Modi govt inks Rs 63000 crore deal to buy 26 fighter jets capable of firing nuclear missiles, its name is…, features include…
India-France Rafale deal: India signed a deal for 26 Rafale marine aircraft with France on Monday, 28 April 2025. Under the deal, India will purchase 22 single-seater aircraft and 4 double-seater aircraft from France. These aircraft will be equipped with the capability to launch nuclear bombs. According to reports, this deal with France is valued at around 63,000 crore rupees. In terms of arms procurement, this is India’s largest deal with France to date.
The purchase of the aircraft was approved in a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23 following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Rafale Marine to be stationed on INS Vikrant
India will deploy Rafale Marine aircraft on INS Vikrant. The aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation has made several modifications to these aircraft according to India’s needs. Features include anti-ship strike capability, the ability to launch nuclear weapons, and recording flights for up to 10 hours. In addition, the company will provide India with weapon systems, spare parts, and essential tools for the aircraft.
According to reports, the delivery of these aircraft will begin in 2028-29, and all aircraft will arrive in India by 2031-32. The features of the Rafale Marine aircraft are more advanced than those of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale aircraft.
Rafale Marine features
The Rafale-M (Marine) will be used on navy aircraft carriers. The Rafale-M, which is 50.1 feet long, weighs up to 15,000 kilograms. Its fuel capacity is also 11,202 kg, allowing it to fly for extended periods. This single and double-seater aircraft can reach an altitude of 52,000 feet. Its folding wings are also quite robust. The speed is 2205 km/h. The Rafale-M can reach an altitude of 18,000 meters in just one minute.
More advanced than Pakistan’s F-16 and China’s J-20
The Rafale-M (Marine) is more advanced and better than Pakistan’s F-16 and China’s J-20. After takeoff, it is capable of striking targets up to 3700 km away. It has a 30 mm auto cannon and 14 hard points. It can also ‘land’ in very small spaces.
The Rafale-M can be equipped with powerful anti-ship missiles, which are capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. This aircraft is equipped with special radar that can locate and destroy submarines. The special thing is that the Rafale-M can be refueled in mid-air, which will increase its range. The first batch will start arriving after 3 years. The modern Rafale-M will further enhance Indian Navy’s power.
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