Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian signed the Euro 7.87-billion (Rs 59,000 crore approx) deal for Rafale fighter jets. It is equipped with latest missiles and weapon system besides multiple India-specific modifications, which will give the IAF greater "potency" over arch rival Pakistan.

India and France signed the Inter Governmental Agreement after PM Modi announced Indias plans to buy 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly away condition during his trip to France.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, said that, "Pleased to inform that India has signed an agreement for procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft with weapon systems, five years complete spares and maintenance, performance based logistics, India specific special provisions. This is an achievement which will give the IAF the required potency in terms of penetration and capability."

These combat aircraft, delivery of which will start in 36 months and will be completed in 66 months from the date the contract is inked, comes equipped with state-of-the-art missiles weaponry that will give IAF a capability that had been sorely missing in its arsenal.

Nandini