Desk:India has made comprehensive preparations to counter China’s growing power in the seas. A major defense deal between India and France is expected to be signed on Monday. According to reports, the two countries are set to ink an agreement for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft, valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore.
The agreement will be signed by France’s Ambassador and India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar. Defence Ministers from both nations will attend the ceremony virtually via video conferencing.
Sources indicate that the signing event is scheduled to take place outside the Ministry of Defence at South Block. Initially, France’s Defence Minister was supposed to travel to India for the event, but the visit was canceled due to personal reasons. The deal had already received approval from India’s Cabinet Committee on Security.
India urgently needs new fighter jets for its warships, as the existing MiG-29 aircraft are facing operational challenges due to maintenance issues. The newly acquired Rafale Marine jets are expected to be deployed on the INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier.
This defense package includes not just the fighter jets, but also weapons, equipment, spare parts, crew training, and logistics support. The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, had earlier approved the Navy’s proposal for the procurement of these jets, which are specially designed for deployment on warships. The French Navy already operates these aircraft.
India already operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, following a deal signed with France in 2016. With the new agreement, the total number of Rafale jets in India’s arsenal will rise to 62.