In a major boost to its naval combat capabilities, India has officially approved its biggest-ever fighter jet procurement deal, clearing the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy. The high-profile deal is seen as a significant step toward strengthening India’s maritime security and defence preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to official sources, the Indian government greenlit the deal after extensive negotiations and technical evaluations. The jets, manufactured by French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation, are set to operate from India’s aircraft carriers, including INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

The deal, valued at billions of dollars, includes 22 single-seat Rafale M fighters and 4 twin-seat trainer variants, tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy. These jets are equipped with cutting-edge avionics, weapons systems, and carrier compatibility, making them among the most advanced naval fighters in the world.

Defence experts have hailed the move as a strategic milestone. “The induction of Rafale Marine jets will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s airpower projection and multirole combat capability in blue-water operations,” said a senior naval official.

The decision also marks a continued deepening of Indo-French defence ties. In 2016, India acquired 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force, and the successful integration of that fleet is believed to have influenced this naval procurement.

With this approval, India joins an elite club of countries operating carrier-based Rafale fighters, underlining its intent to bolster Indigenous maritime defence infrastructure and deter regional threats.

Deliveries of the Rafale Marine jets are expected to begin within the next few years, following formal contract signing and logistical arrangements.Source: ANI