New Delhi, April 9 -- India has given the go-ahead for a high-value government-to-government agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, reported Business Standard, citing sources.

The contract, estimated to be worth over Rs.63,000 crore, is likely to be signed in the near future.

The Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seat and four twin-seat variants under the deal.

This follows the Defence Ministry's approval in July 2023 to procure the French-made Rafale-M jets, which are primarily intended for deployment on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

First deliveries by 2029, full induction by 2031

The first batch of jets is expected to be delivered by the end of 2029, with all 26 aircraft likely to be inducted by 2031....