India-France ₹ 63,000 crore deal to secure 26 Rafale maritime fighter aircraft to be signed today

New Delhi: Defense officials have confirmed that a defense deal of Rs 63,000 crore will be signed today (April 28) to secure 26 Rafale Marine Combat aircraft, with the French Ambassador represent the Indian side to represent the French side and Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in India. Defense ministers of the two countries are also expected to sign remotely.

According to sources, the signature is expected to be held outside the Ministry of Defense in the South Block.

Earlier, the French Defense Minister was prescribed to signature individually, but had to cancel his journey for personal reasons.

The deal was approved by the Cabinet Committee on security earlier this month.

The country's carrier requires a new combat fighter jet for immediate deployment, as the current fleet of the MiG -29 fighters has allegedly weakened due to issues related to maintenance. The Rafale Combat aircraft is expected to be deployed on the board INS Vikrant, which is currently in service.

Jet is to be customized

Rafale M jets will be adapted to meet Indian requirements and will be integrated into the aircraft carrier. These carrier-borne fighters are being acquired as a straopgap solution until the development of an indigenous carrier-generated fighter jet is completed.

Government-to-government contracts include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, as well as a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistic support, personnel training and indigenous component manufacturing.

Rafale M Jets will work with INS Vikrant and support the existing Mig-29K fleet.

The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft acquired under a separate deal signed in 2016. These aircraft are based on Ambala and Hasimara.

The new deal will increase the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62, which will greatly boost the fleet of 4.5-generated fighters of the country.

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