India is set to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of $7.41 billion. The agreement has already been signed at the government level between the two countries.
According to a Reuters report published on Monday, the proposal to acquire the Rafale jets was presented to India’s Cabinet Committee on Security last month and was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The committee consists of seven members.
The French-made Rafale is considered one of the most advanced and powerful fighter jets in the world today. As a fifth-generation aircraft, it can reach a maximum speed of 3,700 kilometers per hour and can fly up to 50,000 feet above sea level. The Rafale is equipped with multiple types of missiles and heavy machine guns.
India has previously purchased Rafale jets. Currently, the Indian Air Force has 36 Rafale aircraft. The newly purchased jets are intended for use by the Indian Navy, according to an official from India’s Ministry of Defense. At present, the Indian Navy’s primary fighter jet is the MiG-29.
Since gaining independence in 1947, India has largely relied on Russia for military equipment and weaponry. While India continues to procure a significant amount of arms from Russia, in recent years it has been working to diversify its sources. The purchase of Rafale jets from France is a notable example of this effort.
Amid rising tensions with Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, there has been speculation about a potential military strike by India on Pakistan. The Rafale deal with France comes in the backdrop of these geopolitical tensions.