New Delhi: India has signed an agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for its navy, valued at 630 billion rupees ($7.4 billion), as confirmed by the navy's press office on Monday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the signing ceremony was attended in person by French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou and Indian Deputy Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu and his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, participated via video link. Lecornu was initially scheduled to be present in person but had to cancel his visit due to personal reasons, as stated by the Indian navy's press office.

The deal, approved by Indian authorities in early April, includes the purchase of 22 single-seat and four two-seat Rafale Marine jets for India's aircraft carriers. It also encompasses a comprehensive package featuring logistics support, personnel training, and the preparation of Indian enterprises to work with the French aircraft. The agreement further entails training for navy personnel.

The Rafale Marine jets are intended for deployment on aircraft carriers and are anticipated to significantly enhance the Indian navy's aerial capabilities. The French jets are set to replace the aging fleet of Russian-made MiG-29K jets on the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, according to sources.

India is expected to receive the first batch of these jets in 2029, with all 26 jets operational by 2031. The country currently operates 36 Rafale Marine jets from a separate deal made in 2016, which are stationed at Indian air force bases near Ambala and Hasimara.