Jammu Tawi, April 9 -- In a major development, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Tuesday approved India's largest-ever fighter jet deal, clearing the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal, worth over Rs 63,000 crore, will be executed under a government-to-government agreement with France, government sources said.

The contract will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale Marine jets. It also comprises a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing components under offset obligations.

Deliveries of the Rafale M jets are expected to begin approximately five years after the deal is signed. These fighters will be d...