New Delhi, May 1 -- India and France have signed a key deal to procure 26 naval variants of Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around rs 63,000 crore for the Indian Navy. India is procuring the jets from French defense major Dassault Aviation for deployment on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The aircraft, manufactured by French plane maker Dassault Aviation, is being imported as an interim measure to meet the navy's urgent requirements until India develops its own twin-engine deck-based fighter.

The Rafale M procurement will include weapons, simulators, spares, associated ancillary equipment, crew training and logistics support for the Indian Navy from the French government.

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