India inks ₹63,000-cr deal for 26 Rafale jets from France

Deliveries start in 2028 and will end in 2030; Rafale can carry 9,500kg weapons

- Rahul Singh

India on Monday signed a ₹63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the navy which will operate them from its two aircraft carriers, with deliveries expected to begin in three years and be completed by 2030.

The deal for 22 single-seat Rafale M fighters and four twin-seat trainers includes the setting up of a local production facility for the jet's fuselage and maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for engines, sensors and weapons in India, the defence ministry said.

"In line with the government's thrust on Atmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes transfer of technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India," it added in a statement.