Watch video: First fighter jet deal in 20 years, says Manohar Parrikar on Rafale agreement

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said that India has signed an agreement with France to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets, which is the first fighter aircrafts deal in 20 years. He also said that this will pave way for the Indian Air Force to fulfil its crucial need of getting required fighter jets.

“I am pleased to inform you that India has signed an agreement for procurement of 36 Rafale aircrafts with weapon systems, with five years complete spares and maintenance, performance based logistics, Indian enhanced special provisions, an achievement which I think will give the Indian Air Force the required potency in terms of penetration and capabilities,” Parrikar said.

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he Euro 7.87-billion (Rs 59,000 crore approx) deal for Rafale fighter jets was signed by India and France on Friday. The Rafale fighter jets are equipped with latest missiles and weapon system besides multiple India-specific modifications that will give the IAF greater “potency” over arch rival Pakistan.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his visiting French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement. The agreement was signed 16-months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s plans to buy 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly away condition during his trip to France.