♦ India and France on 28 April 2025 signed a Rs.63,000 crore defence agreement for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft.

♦ The agreement was signed at the Defence Ministry headquarters at South Block in New Delhi. 

♦ The Indian Navy urgently requires new carrier-borne fighter jets to replace its aging MiG-29K fleet, which has faced operational challenges due to maintenance issues.

♦ The government-to-government contract includes the purchase of 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale M jets, specially configured to meet Indian requirements and integrate with Indian aircraft carriers.

♦ The Rafale M jets will operate alongside the existing MiG-29K fleet on INS Vikrant, enhancing the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities.

♦ The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale aircraft acquired through a separate deal signed in 2016, with squadrons based in Ambala and Hasimara.