In a major boost to bilateral strategic ties, India and France are expected to sign their largest-ever defence deal on April 28. This is about the sale of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal will reportedly be held in the presence of French Defence Minister Sebastian Lecornu.
According to Defence sources, senior officials will represent each side during the signing of the over Rs 63,000 crore contract.
French Minister To Reach India On Sunday
Sources told the news agency ANI that the event is scheduled to be held outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block. Meanwhile, the French Minister is expected to arrive in India on Sunday evening and return late evening on Monday. Previously, on April 9, 2024, India had cleared its largest-ever defence deal with France for 26 Rafale-Marine combat aircraft. The deal, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was made during a Cabinet Committee meeting on Security.
About The Government-To-Government Deal
Reports stated that the government-to-government deal will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. Additionally, it will come along with a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, personnel training, logistical support, and indigenous component manufacturing. These fighter jets, operational from INS Vikrant, will extend support to the existing Mig-29 K fleet.
Deal To Increase The Number Of Rafale Jets To 62
In 2016, the Indian Air Force acquired a fleet of 36 aircraft under a separate deal. The Rafale jets operate from their two bases, located in Ambala and Hashinara. The big deal for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft will increase the number of Rafale jets to 62. It will thereby boost the number of 4.5-plus-generation aircraft in the Indian arsenal.
In light of this, a new tender from the IAF for competition for multirole fighter aircraft is expected to be issued soon. However, the Indian Air Force has shown eagerness to acquire a particular aircraft to meet its immediate requirements.
