The Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the proposed procurement of 26 Naval variant of Rafale jets from France.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cleared the proposal for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).

The price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French Government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.

The DAC also cleared a proposal for procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

The DAC is the defence ministry’s highest decision-making body on procurement.