26 Rafales will give aircraft carriers complete fighter strength.

• India is buying 26 Rafale-Ms from France to equip its aircraft carriers with a full complement of fighter jets.

• Delivery of the jets is expected to begin in Q2 2028 and be completed by 2030 under a deal signed by India and France.

• Modifications are needed for the Rafale-M to fit on the lifts and perform optimally.

• The wing pylons of the Rafales need to be removed before they can be moved on the lift.

• The consolidation of the defence budget two years ago prioritised the payments for the Rafale deal.

• The deal includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics for five years, costing nearly ₹64,000 crore.

• The Rafale-M will be capable of operating from both the carriers – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

• The deal was intended to be concluded in the financial year 2024-25, but was delayed, leading to unspent money being returned to the Finance Ministry.