India & France to sign Rs 63,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale marine jets; Game-changer for defence?

India and France are set to sign a historic Rs 63,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft on April 28. The contract includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets, along with fleet maintenance, training, and logistical support. The Rafale M jets are urgently needed for deployment on INS Vikrant to replace underperforming MiG-29K fighters. This deal will raise India’s Rafale fleet to 62, significantly boosting its defense capabilities.