New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) Taking a big step towards equipping the Navy with state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, the government has approved the purchase of 26 Marine Rafale fighter aircraft from France at a cost of Rs 63,000 crore.

Sources on Wednesday said the government approved the purchase of these aircraft on Tuesday.

After getting these fighter aircraft, the Navy's striking capability will increase manifold. Currently, the Air Force fleet has 36 Rafale fighter aircraft.

This government-to-government purchase is considered very important for the Navy. Talks were going on between India and France for about two years regarding this deal.

Sources said that the contract is likely to be signed soon and the delivery of the aircraft may take four to five years. The contract package also includes maintenance of the aircraft, training and indigenous manufacturing of spare parts.

Of the total 26 aircraft, 22 will be single-seater and four will be two-seater. When these aircraft will be inducted into the Navy fleet after four-five years, they will be deployed on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Currently, the Indian Navy has a fleet of MiG-29 fighter aircraft.

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