New Delhi, April 28 -- India has finalized a Rs.63,000 crore agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy, marking a major milestone in bilateral defence ties. The contract, signed on Monday, includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainers, with deliveries scheduled for completion by 2031.

The deal also covers fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and crucially, indigenous manufacturing of components under offset obligations, aligning with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The Rafale-M, currently operated only by the French Navy, is recognized as one of the most advanced carrier-based fighter jets in the world. Equipped with Safran Group's reinforced landing gear,...