India and France have officially signed a ₹63,000 crore deal for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, ANI reported on Monday. The Intergovernmental Agreement was exchanged between the two nations in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K. Swaminathan.
#WATCH | Delhi | The Intergovernmental agreement was exchanged between the two sides in the presence of Defence Secretary RK Singh and Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K Swaminathan.
(Source: Indian Navy) https://t.co/6Z4UhJ4ypY pic.twitter.com/R3Z0o9RAuA
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025
The deal comes at a crucial time amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Business Upturn had earlier reported that the agreement was imminent, with the signing ceremony scheduled for today, Monday.
The Government-to-Government (G2G) deal includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale Marine jets. The agreement also covers comprehensive fleet maintenance support, personnel training, logistical backup, and provisions for indigenous component manufacturing to bolster domestic defence capabilities.
The 26 Rafale jets are urgently required for deployment on India’s aircraft carriers, particularly INS Vikrant, enhancing India’s maritime strength and strategic readiness.
This landmark acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen India’s naval aviation prowess in the Indo-Pacific region, sending a strong signal amid rising regional tensions.
