Centre approves ₹63,000-crore deal for procuring 26 Rafale-M jets from France | Current Affairs | Vision IAS

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Centre approves ₹63,000-crore deal for procuring 26 Rafale-M jets from France

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Procurement of Rafale-M Fighter Jets

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a substantial deal for the Indian Navy on April 9, 2025.

Details of the Deal

  • Deal Value: Nearly ₹63,000 crore for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets.
  • Composition:
    • 22 single-seater jets capable of operating from aircraft carriers.
    • 4 twin-seater trainer jets, not carrier-compatible.
  • Stage of Approval: CCS approval is the final step before formal conclusion.
  • Expected Signing: During the French Defence Minister’s visit to India later this month.

Additional Agreements

  • A deal for three additional Scorpene-class conventional submarines with France is pending CCS approval.

Delivery Timeline

  • Delivery of jets will begin three-and-a-half years post-contract signing.
  • Completion of delivery is anticipated within six-and-a-half years.

Context and Background

  • The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale jets from a previous ₹60,000-crore deal signed in September 2016.
  • The Indian Navy observed the performance of Rafale-M jets during the Varuna exercise aboard the French carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Initial Approval and Current Naval Capability

  • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted initial approval on July 13, 2023, for the purchase of Rafale-M fighters and Scorpene-class submarines.
  • The Navy operates two aircraft carriers: 
    1. INS Vikramaditya (procured from Russia).
    2. INS Vikrant (indigenously built, commissioned in September 2022).
  • Tags :
  • India-France
  • Rafale-M Fighter Jets
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