• The deals are likely to be announced during Modi’s visit to France.
• The Indian Navy will be given 22 single-seated Rafale, 4 trainer aircraft.
• Sources say that India is planning to get concessions on the prices.

India’s Defense Ministry on Monday gave preliminary approval to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines from France. ANI The news has been given quoting the sources.

According to Indian government sources, the Defense Acquisition Board has approved which will now be sent to the Defense Acquisition Council and the deals are likely to be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France.

As per the proposal, the Indian Navy will be given 22 single-seated Rafale seaplanes and four trainer aircraft.

Keeping in mind the security situation of the country, the Navy was insisting on acquiring these aircraft and submarines citing the shortage.

INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant – which are aircraft carriers – are operating MiG-29s and now Rafale is required to operate on both the carriers.

The submarines will be built at Mazagon Dockyards Limited in Mumbai under the replicated segment by the Navy as part of Project 75.

An approximate amount has been calculated which shows that the deal is worth more than Rs 900 billion, however, the final cost will be clear after negotiations.

It has also been learned from sources that India is planning to get price concessions, as well as insisting on making the aircraft in the country.

Industry sources said a joint team of India and France would be formed to take the talks forward.