India has approved a plan to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets from France to strengthen its navy, according to two sources familiar with the decision. This move aims to boost India’s defense power as China increases its naval activities in the Indian Ocean.
The final deal is expected to be signed in the coming weeks. The approval came from India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Under the deal, India will buy 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale fighter jets, made by French company Dassault Aviation. The total cost of the deal is expected to be around 630 billion rupees ($7 billion).
France’s Defence Minister is likely to visit India before the deal is officially signed.
India already uses 36 Rafale fighter jets in its Air Force. The Navy currently relies on older Russian MiG-29 jets. The new purchase is part of India’s plan to modernize its military, reduce its dependence on Russian weapons, and boost local defense production.
This deal will also help India respond to growing challenges from China. The Indian Navy has said that China has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean over the past decade. China also has a military base in Djibouti and has deployed ships in the region, which Beijing claims are for research and peaceful activities.
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By adding more Rafale fighter jets, India hopes to better protect its maritime interests and strengthen its defense partnership with France, which is India’s second-largest arms supplier.
