India is expected to sign its largest-ever defence agreement with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft on April 28, ANI reported. The landmark deal, estimated at over Rs 63,000 crore, will be signed in the presence of French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who is scheduled to arrive in India on the evening of April 27 and depart the next day.
Senior officials from both countries will attend the signing ceremony, which is likely to be held outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block, ANI quoted defence sources in their report.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had earlier cleared the acquisition on April 9 under a government-to-government framework.
This government-to-government contract will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, along with a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training and indigenous component manufacturing.
These fighters will be operational from INS Vikrant and will support the existing Mig-29 K fleet.
The Indian Air Force already has a fleet of 36 aircraft acquired under a separate deal inked in 2016. The IAF Rafale jets operate from their two bases in Ambala and Hashinara.
The deal for 26 Rafale-Ms will increase the number of Rafale jets to 62 and increase the number of 4.5-plus-generation aircraft in the Indian arsenal.
A new tender from the Indian Air Force for competition for multirole fighter aircraft is expected to be issued soon.
However, the Indian Air Force has shown keenness to acquire a particular aircraft to meet its immediate requirements.
(With inputs from ANI)