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Rafale-M Deal: CCS Clears 26 Jets for Navy at ₹63,000 Crore

10 April 20251 min read
DEFENCE & SECURITYRafale-M Deal: CCSClears 26 Jets forNavy at ₹63,000Crore10 April 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The Cabinet Committee on Security under PM Narendra Modi cleared 26 Rafale-Marine jets, the largest naval fighter purchase by India so far.

Key facts

  • Signing: expected during the French Defence Minister’s visit later that month.
  • Deployment: from INS Vikrant, the first indigenous carrier, supplementing MiG-29K jets of INS Vikramaditya, which has had serviceability problems.
  • The Air Force already flies 36 Rafales bought in 2016 for ₹60,000 crore.

Background

  • The Defence Acquisition Council gave first approval in July 2023.
  • Navy officials watched Rafale-M on the French carrier Charles de Gaulle during the Varuna exercise.
  • Gain: stronger carrier strike power in the Indian Ocean Region.

Pending

  • Three diesel-electric Scorpene submarines, to be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders with France’s Naval Group, await CCS approval.

Exam angle

  • Approving body: CCS; seller: France; carrier: INS Vikrant.

Test yourself

1. How many Rafale-Marine jets did the Cabinet Committee on Security approve for the Indian Navy?

The CCS approved 26 Rafale-M jets: 22 single-seaters and 4 trainers.

2. On which Indian aircraft carrier will the Rafale-M jets be deployed?

Rafale-M jets are to operate from INS Vikrant.

3. Which Navy exercise gave Indian officials a view of Rafale-M operations on the Charles de Gaulle?

Officials observed Rafale-M on the French carrier during the Varuna exercise.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 10 April 2025 (24 topics).

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