India to buy 26 French Rafale fighters for $7.4 billion: details of the deal
Kyiv • UNN
The Indian government has approved the purchase of 26 Rafale naval fighters from France. The agreement also provides for the maintenance of 36 fighters purchased by India in 2016.
The Indian government has approved the purchase of 26 French Rafale naval fighters worth a total of 640 billion rupees ($7.4 billion). This was reported by Bloomberg, reports UNN.
Details
The agreement was approved on Wednesday, April 9, by the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It provides for the purchase of four two-seater training aircraft and the maintenance of 36 Rafale fighters, which India purchased for its Air Force in 2016.
This agreement between France and India was a key part of discussions during Modi's visit to Paris in 2023. According to Bloomberg, Western countries are seeking to enlist India on their side amid concerns about China's growing role in the Asia-Pacific region.
Today, the Indian Air Force is armed with Soviet/Russian and French-made aircraft, including Mirage 2000H, MiG-21, MiG-27ML, Su-30MKI. The total number of Indian aircraft is more than 1622 units.
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