India and France are poised to sign their largest-ever defence agreement on April 28, 2025, with the Indian Navy set to acquire 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. This landmark deal, worth approximately ₹63,000 crore ($7.5 billion), represents a significant enhancement of India’s naval air capabilities and further strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu will arrive in India on April 27 for the signing ceremony, which is scheduled to take place outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block, New Delhi.
Deal Specifics And Approval Process
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets on April 9, 2025. This government-to-government agreement includes 22 single-seater carrier-capable jets and four twin-seater trainer variants. The trainer aircraft, while not designed for aircraft carrier operations, are essential for advanced pilot training programs.
