Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) shares are expected to attract attention from investors on Wednesday as India and France begin negotiations for a ₹50,000 crore deal involving 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. According to a report by ANI, the talks will commence on May 30 with the arrival of a high-level French delegation.
The French team, which includes representatives from their defence ministry and industry—such as officials from Dassault Aviation and Thales—will meet with counterparts from the Indian Defence Ministry to initiate official discussions on the acquisition. The jets are intended for operation from both of India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
The Indian side will be represented by members from the defence acquisition wing and the Indian Navy. Government sources suggest that there is a concerted effort to conclude negotiations and finalize the agreement by the end of the financial year.
France responded to India’s tender for the 26 Rafale Marine jets in December, submitting their proposal in New Delhi. Indian officials have since reviewed the French bid, including the commercial aspects and contract specifics. The negotiations will proceed as a government-to-government contract, with a focus on thorough and rigorous discussions.
The Indian Navy Chief has urged his team to expedite the timeline to ensure the swift finalization and induction of the aircraft into the fleet.
