India signed a major deal with France on Monday to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets worth ₹63,000 crore. The jets, made by Dassault Aviation, will be deployed on India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to meet urgent naval needs.

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• India to buy 22 Rafale-M single-seat fighters and 4 twin-seat trainers
• Deal cleared by Cabinet Committee on Security, led by PM Narendra Modi
• Rafale jets to fill critical gap until India’s indigenous fighters ready
• Package includes weapons, simulators, spares, training, and logistics support
• Jets made by Dassault Aviation, optimized for aircraft carrier operations
• Rafale-M operates from French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle carrier
• Aircraft designed to survive harsh, corrosive sea conditions
• Deal signed under government-to-government model for faster delivery
• Defence Acquisition Council approved purchase in July 2023
• Enhances Indian Navy’s combat capability, especially on INS Vikrant