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New Delhi: India and France on Monday (April 28) sealed the deal in which the Indian navy will receive 26 Dassault Rafale-M (Marine) fighter aircraft to be deployed from the carrier INS Vikrant.

Under the over-Rs 63,000 crore deal, the navy starting in mid-2028 will receive 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainer aircraft, which the defence ministry said will function as a “force multiplier” for the service’s existing carriers.

All aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2030, the ministry said.

Crew for the aircraft will receive training in France and India as part of the deal, which includes a simulator, equipment associated with the fighter as well as with the Rafale jets operated by the Indian air force, weapons and performance-based logistics.

It also involves an agreement to set up a facility in India to produce Rafale........

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