New Delhi: India is set to upgrade its naval forces by inducting 26 Rafale M fighter jets from France in a deal worth over Rs 63,000 crore, NDTV reported.
First considered in July 2023, the deal also includes a package for fleet maintenance, personnel training, logistical support and indigenous manufacturing of components.
It is reported citing sources that the agreements would be signed this month during French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s visit to India.
Jets are expected to be delivered five years after the deal is confirmed, with the fleet likely to be inducted before 2031, sources said.
Touted as one of the world’s most advanced naval fighter jets, Rafale M is equipped with Safran Groups' reinforced landing gears known to be one of the best for carrier-compatible aircraft.
The fighter jets also come with features such as folding wings and a reinforced undercarriage to face harsh conditions.
Aiming to monitor China’s presence in the Indian Ocean alongside strengthening capabilities, as many as 22 single-seater and four twin-seater variants jets will be deployed on the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Inducting new fighter jets into Navy will help strengthen the Air Force's capabilities alongside pulling off aerial refueling system with one jet, fitted with a refueling pod, acting as a fuel tanker for another.
Meanwhile, the Navy has plans to introduce indigenous fifth generation fighter jets developed by the Defence Research and Development Institute (DRDO).