India has finalized a $7.41 billion agreement with France to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy, a defence ministry official confirmed to Reuters on Monday.
The acquisition, approved earlier this month by India's security cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.
While the Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets, the navy’s current fleet primarily consists of Russian MiG-29 aircraft.
The deal is part of India's broader efforts to modernize its armed forces, cut reliance on Russian defense equipment, and expand domestic weapons production, especially amid ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan.
The Indian navy has increasingly voiced concerns over China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean, where Beijing operates dual-purpose vessels and has maintained a military base in Djibouti since 2017.
This purchase also continues India’s long-standing military ties with France, following previous acquisitions such as Mirage 2000 jets in the 1980s and Scorpene-class submarines ordered in 2005.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlig...
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’...
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war ...
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides...
Explosive-laden Iranian boats reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member, after four other vessels ...
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’ in his first statement since his election, read out on Iranian State television on Thursday (12 March).
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war compensation, and international guarantees against any future invasion as conditions for ending the U.S.–Israel war with the Islamic Republic.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
Explosive-laden Iranian boats reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member, after four other vessels were hit in the Gulf. The attacks, targeting ships linked to the U.S. and Europe, raise the total struck in the region.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
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