India to sign deal for 26 Rafale naval jets during PM Modi’s France visit
NEW DELHI,JULY 10 : India is likely to sign deals to buy 26 Rafale M naval jets and three additional Scorpene submarines from France. These deals are expected to be announced during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to France scheduled between July 14 and 16.
The defence procurement board (DPP) cleared the deals on Monday.
The deals, worth approximately Rs 90,000 crore, will include 26 Rafale M aircraft, consisting of 22 single-seater and four double-seater trainer versions. According to top government sources, the three additional submarines will be part of the Scorpene deal under Project 75.
The Rafale aircraft are intended for deployment on the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers and are likely to receive clearance from the defence ministry this week.
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The Indian Navy has been facing a shortage of aircraft and submarines in recent years, emphasizing the urgent need to meet their requirements.
These planes will be used by the Indian Navy on the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, which currently employ the MiG-29. The deals are expected to be presented before the defence acquisition council in the next few days before being officially announced in France.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as the chief guest at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, France, on July 14. Alongside him, a contingent of the Indian military will participate in the parade, including troops from the Indian Army’s Punjab Regiment, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force.
-ANI
