India and France to Begin Negotiations on $6 Billion Rafale Marine Jet Deal

High-Level Negotiations to Start This Week for RAFALE Deal

In a significant development, India and France are set to begin contract negotiations for a mega $6 billion deal involving 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. Scheduled to start on May 30, the negotiations will be initiated with the arrival of a high-level French delegation. This deal is crucial for the Indian Navy, which plans to operate these jets from both its aircraft carriers.

French defense officials, including representatives from Dassault Aviation and Thales, will meet with their counterparts from India’s Defence Ministry. The Indian delegation will comprise members from the defense acquisition wing and the Indian Navy. The goal is to finalize the deal and sign the agreement by the end of this financial year.

In December, France responded to India’s tender for the Rafale Marine jets, which are intended for the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The French bid has been thoroughly studied by Indian officials, including commercial offers and contract details. The negotiations will be conducted as a government-to-government contract, aiming for early finalization and induction of the jets into the Indian Navy’s inventory. The Navy Chief has emphasized the need to expedite the process to ensure timely completion.

For more information on recent defense deals and military advancements, check out our post on Türkiye’s Bid to Produce F-110 Engines for KAAN Fighter Jets.