France (Washington Insider Magazine)— India and France are set to initiate contract negotiations for a deal worth over ₹50,000 crore for 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets on May 30, following the arrival of a high-level French delegation. Once finalized, the Rafale M aircraft will be operated by the Indian Navy from its two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, according to defense ministry officials, as reported by ANI.
Currently, the Indian Navy utilizes Russian Mikoyan MiG-29K fighter jets aboard both carriers.
Latest Developments in the Rafale M Fighter Jet Deal
The Indian government aims to complete negotiations with France and sign the agreement for the Rafale jets by the end of the current financial year, as indicated by unnamed government sources. To expedite the process, the Navy Chief has instructed his team to significantly reduce the deal’s timeline to facilitate the early induction of the new aircraft.
