India Signs Defence Deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets
New Delhi, April 28 — In a significant boost to its naval aviation capabilities, India today signed a landmark defence deal with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The agreement was formalized in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from India’s Defence Ministry and representatives of the French government.
Under the deal, India will receive 22 single-seater and 4 double-seater Rafale Marine jets. These aircraft will be customized to meet the specific operational requirements of the Indian Navy.
The induction of the Rafale Marine jets is expected to dramatically enhance the combat strength of the Indian Navy. The jets will be deployed aboard India’s aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant — bolstering India’s maritime security and power projection capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
The Rafale Marine jets will come equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems and advanced missile technology, ensuring that the Indian Navy remains at the forefront of aerial combat and strategic deterrence.
Defence experts hailed the deal as a “game changer” for India’s naval operations, aligning with the country’s vision of strengthening its indigenous and blue-water capabilities.
