India approves Rs 63,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets

India will purchase 26 Rafale M fighter jets for the Navy in a government-to-government agreement valued at more than Rs 63,000 crore.

This will mark the first significant upgrade of the Navy’s fighter aircraft. The fleet will include 22 single-seat and four twin-seat jets. The aircraft will be deployed mainly on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, as India increases its maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean, where it monitors Chinese movements.

The new Rafales will also support the Air Force by improving the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refuelling system, which allows one jet to refuel another in mid-air, extending flight duration. Watch full episode to know more.