India has cleared a major government-to-government deal with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy, valued at over Rs 63,000 crore.

Government sources confirm that the agreement, set to be signed soon, includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. This acquisition will enhance the Navy’s maritime strike capabilities with advanced carrier-based fighters.

This deal follows India’s previous purchase of 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), finalized in September 2016 for approximately Rs 58,000 crore.

The IAF’s Rafale fleet, delivered between October 2019 and April 2022, operates from bases in Ambala and Hasimara, strengthening India’s air defense along its northern and eastern borders. The success of that procurement, coupled with the Rafale’s proven combat performance, likely influenced the Navy’s decision to opt for the maritime variant.

The Rafale Marine jets are designed specifically for carrier operations, featuring reinforced landing gear, arrester hooks, and a robust frame tailored for Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) missions.

Equipped with advanced weaponry like the Meteor and Exocet missiles, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and the Spectra electronic warfare suite, these aircraft offer superior combat versatility and target detection capabilities. They will enhance the Navy’s operational strength aboard INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, replacing the ageing MiG-29K fleet. Additional details regarding timelines or other terms were not disclosed by the sources.