India says signs deal with France for 26 Rafale fighter jets

The jets will join the 36 French-made Rafale fighters already acquired by India

Rafale fighter jet taxis on the tarmac during its induction ceremony at an air force station in Ambala, India, September 10, 2020.

Reuters

India has signed a contract to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France, New Delhi's defense ministry said Monday, with the multi-billion-dollar deal to include both single and twin-seat planes.

"We have signed the deal for 26 Rafale jets," a spokesperson for India's defense ministry told AFP.

When delivered, the jets would join 36 French-made Rafale fighters already acquired by New Delhi as part of its efforts to rapidly modernize its military hardware.

The Indian government first announced its intention to procure 26 Rafales in 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France for the Bastille Day celebrations.

The jets made by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation are expected to operate from Indian-made aircraft carriers, replacing the Russian MiG-29K jets.

Indian media reports suggest that the deal would include training, equipment, weapons and other related logistical support for the Indian military.

Despite historical ties with Russia as its key supplier for military equipment, India has diversified in recent years with key purchases including from France as well as from the United States and Israel.