India clears biggest-ever fighter jet deal: 26 Rafale Marine jets for Navy approved

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The Cabinet Committee on Security approved India’s largest-ever fighter jet deal, clearing the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft for the Indian Navy.

New Delhi [India], April 9 (HBTV): In a significant development, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Tuesday approved India’s largest-ever fighter jet deal, clearing the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal, valued at over INR 63,000 crore, will be executed under a government-to-government agreement with France, according to government sources.

The contract includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale Marine jets, along with a comprehensive package covering fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing components under offset obligations.

Deliveries of the Rafale M jets are expected to begin approximately five years after the deal is signed. These aircraft will be deployed on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and will operate alongside the Navy’s existing MiG-29K fleet.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 36 Rafale jets at its bases in Ambala and Hashimara.

This new Rafale Marine deal is also expected to enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities, including upgrades to its aerial refuelling system. The 'buddy-buddy' refuelling feature will enable approximately 10 IAF Rafale jets to conduct mid-air refuelling operations, extending their range.

Defence sources stated that the deal is likely to include ground-based equipment and software upgrades for the existing IAF fleet. The Navy, meanwhile, will need to install specialised equipment on its aircraft carriers to accommodate the 4.5-generation Rafale jets.

While MiG-29K fighters will continue to operate from INS Vikramaditya, the induction of Rafale Marine jets is expected to significantly boost the Navy’s airpower.

Looking ahead, the Indian Navy is also planning to induct indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The upcoming twin-engine deck-based fighter is likely to serve as the naval counterpart to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) being developed for the Indian Air Force by the Aeronautical Development Agency.

(ANI)