Desk: Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, with signs of a near-war-like situation. Amidst this volatile backdrop, India and France are poised to sign a mega defense deal worth ₹63,887 crore on Monday. Under this agreement, India will directly acquire 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets from France, which will be deployed on the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
The deal was initially expected to be formalized during a visit by French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu. However, due to the cancellation of his trip to India, the agreement will now be signed in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from both nations. The defense ministers of India and France will attend the ceremony virtually.
The deal includes 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seat trainer jets. Additionally, it covers weapons, simulators, crew training, maintenance and operations (MRO), and five years of logistical support.
Moreover, the agreement incorporates spare parts and equipment for the 36 Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force, which were acquired in September 2016 for ₹59,000 crore. This new acquisition is set to significantly bolster the Indian Navy’s strategic capabilities and reinforce the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) defense policy.
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