Wed Apr 09 08:44:57 UTC 2025: **India Approves $8 Billion Deal for 26 Rafale-M Fighter Jets**
New Delhi, April 9, 2025 – The Indian government has approved a significant ₹63,000 crore ($8 billion USD) deal to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for its Navy. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave the final approval Wednesday.
The contract includes 22 single-seater jets capable of carrier operations and four twin-seater trainer jets. Delivery is expected to begin three-and-a-half years after the contract’s formal signing, anticipated later this month during a visit by the French Defence Minister, and conclude within six-and-a-half years.
This follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s (DAC) initial approval in July 2023. The Indian Navy previously observed the Rafale-M’s capabilities during last month’s Varuna exercise with France. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets.
Another major deal for three additional Scorpene-class submarines is pending CCS approval. The Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya and the domestically built INS Vikrant.
First Piper 