March 03, 2026 10:51 am (IST)
Follow us:
Rafale fighter jets to be inducted within two years : Defence Minister
New Delhi, Apr 11 (IBNS) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said Rafale fighter jets for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck a deal with France will be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) within a span of two years.
India has decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets in flyaway condition from France following an agreement between Modi and French President Francois Hollande in Paris Friday.
"India has finally broken the ice over the deal which has been pending for the last 17 years. The deal is a great decision taken on the terms and conditions that are better," Parrikar said.
A joint statement of Modi and Hollande said the two leaders agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement for supply of the aircraft on terms that would be "better" than that conveyed as part of a separate process underway.
"Keeping in view the critical operational necessity of fighter aircraft in India, I have asked President to provide 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition as quickly as possible after agreements between both countries. We both have decided that these will be provided to India in modified terms and conditions," Modi announced at a joint news conference with Hollande after their summit talks at Elysee Palace.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Middle East on edge: PM Modi dials Saudi, Bahrain, Jordan amid explosive escalation
Tue, Mar 03 2026
'Spoke to my great friend PM Modi,' Netanyahu tells NDTV amid Iran tensions, thanks India for support
Mon, Mar 02 2026
India, Canada to host renewable energy summit as Modi, Carney push to deepen bilateral ties
Mon, Mar 02 2026
Modi-Carney talks signal fresh start as India, Canada push to revive trade pact and strategic partnership
Mon, Mar 02 2026
Safety of civilians must remain a top priority: Modi tells Netanyahu during telephone conversation
Mon, Mar 02 2026
India stands in solidarity: Modi speaks to UAE President amid attack on Gulf country
Sun, Mar 01 2026