PARIS–The Indian Defense Acquisition Council on July 13 approved the acquisition of 26 Dassault Rafales for the Indian Navy, based on an intergovernmental agreement. 

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival here, the Indian ministry of defense cleared the way for the purchase of a new batch of navalized Dassault Rafale fighters. A statement from the Indian Acquisition Council says “the price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French government,” including “comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.”

Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron did not formally confirm the announcement during their joint statement. But Modi praised the defense cooperation between France and India as “an important pillar” and “symbolizing the deep mutual trust” between the two countries. “Today we will be discussing the coproduction and codevelopment of new technologies in the defense sector,” Modi added.

Macron said “this strategic intimacy between our two countries will be further strengthened by the launch of new programs that will build on previous successes.”

If the deal is signed, India would become the first export country for the naval version of the aircraft, the Dassault Rafale M. The aircraft will embark on the carrier INS Vikrant, replacing aging Mikoyan MiG-29K fighters. Aviation Week Intelligence Network Data forecasts that the aircraft will be in service with the French and Indian navies by 2033. 

Modi and Macron are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership as part of Bastille Day celebrations on July 14.

India is a longtime customer of Dassault Aviation. The country bought its first aircraft from the French manufacturer in 1953, purchasing 113 M.D.450 Ouragan fighter-bombers. It acquired 36 Rafale for its Air Force in 2016.

Aside from India, Dassault Aviation’s clients for the Rafale include Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Qatar and UAE. 

The Defense Acquisition Council also approved the construction of three additional Scorpene submarines by Indian manufacturer Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).