New Delhi - On Monday, India finalized a contract with France to acquire 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy, valued at $7.4 billion, according to a statement from the Indian defense ministry.
The agreement includes the purchase of 22 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France. This deal is set to enhance India's defense collaboration with its second-largest supplier of military equipment. The ministry noted that the aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2030, with training for the crews taking place in both France and India. Additionally, the deal is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and generate significant revenue for various businesses. Approval for the purchase was granted earlier this month by India's security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by the media.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale jets, while the navy's fleet primarily consists of Russian MiG-29 aircraft. India aims to modernize its military capabilities, lessen its reliance on Russian equipment, and enhance domestic arms production to support forces stationed along its contentious borders with Pakistan and China. The Indian navy has expressed concerns over China's increasing activities in the Indian Ocean over the last decade, including the operation of dual-purpose vessels and the establishment of a military base in Djibouti since 2017.