India has signed an agreement with France to purchase 26 Rafale aircraft, 22 single-seaters and four twin-seaters, for its Navy. The deal, reportedly worth ₹630 billion, also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force.

The order shows India’s continued satisfaction with Rafale fighter jets. In 2016, New Delhi had signed a deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation. It has already received most of these aircraft. 

The latest agreement includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics.  It also includes the setting up of a production facility for Rafale fuselage as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors, and weapons in India. 

“The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and revenue for a large number of MSMEs in setting up, production and running of these facilities,” the government said.

The delivery of these aircraft will be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India.
The deal comes at a time of heightened security concerns between India and Pakistan after at least 28 civilians were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir.