NEW DELHI: The government is likely to sign a deal for the purchase of naval version of Rafale fighter jets from France, for which the final decision is likely in the defence acquisition council meeting before PM Narendra Modi leaves for France next week.The PM will be in France on July 13-14 during which he will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade.The multi-billion dollar deal for 24-30 Rafale-Marine jets is likely to be announced during his two-day visit.Sources said that the Indian Navy has expressed its preference for the French Rafale Marine over the F-18 Super Hornets of the US.

Though there is no clarity about the price, they are expected to be cheaper than the version bought by the IAF earlier.Govt-to-govt deal to fly in naval RafalesThe Modi government is likely to sign a deal for the purchase of naval version of Rafale fighter jets from France.

The fighter planes are likely to be procured through a government-to-government deal instead of taking the open tender route as the acquisition through this process will be easier and help save time.The Indian Navy has been scouting for a suitable fighter to be deployed on aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Sources said the Navy settled on Dassault’s Rafale Marine, which has over 80% features of the IAF’s Rafales.

The savings that will result on account of training, repairs and maintenance due to the commonality of the fleet also weighed with the Navy and the defence ministry.Last year, the naval version of Rafale fighter jets from France and American F/A-18 Super Hornet had both demonstrated their operational capabilities.

The Indian Navy recorded its options and submitted a report to the government for a final decision on acquiring the best fighter for its newly-launched aircraft carrier.

Rafale-M, like F/A-18, is adapted at short take-off and arrested recovery technology required for deck deployment on INS Vikrant, which uses an upward curve ramp to launch.Rafale-M has superior air power as compared to the present MIG-29K deployed on the aircraft carrier.