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64k crore deal for 26 Rafale-M jets to be inked with France on Monday

India is set to finalize a significant Rs 63,887 crore deal with France on Monday for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, primarily for the INS Vikrant. The agreement, encompassing 22 single-seat and four twin-seat Rafale-M jets, includes weapons, training, and maintenance support.

NEW DELHI: The mega Rs 63,887 crore (Euro 6.6 billion) deal with France for the direct acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, which will primarily operate from the deck of indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant , will be inked on Monday. With French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu unable to make it to India as previously scheduled, the deal for 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and four twin-seat trainers, which includes some weapons, simulators, crew training, MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) and five-year performance-based logistics support, will be inked by senior Indian and French officials in New Delhi.

The inter-governmental agreement will be inked "remotely" by the two defence ministers. The deal includes some spares and equipment for the 36 Rafales already inducted by IAF under the Rs 59,000 crore contract in Sept 2016, as reported by TOI earlier..