New Delhi, April 29 - India finalized a significant defense agreement with France, signing a $7.4 billion deal to acquire 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy, marking a pivotal step in modernizing its military capabilities. The contract, valued at approximately 630 billion rupees, was formalized through an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) and includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale Marine jets, manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation. This acquisition strengthens India’s defense ties with France, its second-largest arms supplier, and aligns with New Delhi’s strategic objectives of enhancing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in response to China’s growing maritime influence.
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The Rafale Marine jets are destined to operate primarily from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and potentially from INS Vikramaditya, augmenting the navy’s existing fleet of Russian-origin MiG-29K jets. The deal encompasses not only the aircraft but also training for Indian Navy pilots in both France and India, advanced flight simulators, weapons, spares, and a performance-based logistics package to ensure operational readiness. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2030, with the first jets expected to arrive within 37 to 65 months from the signing date. To accommodate the Rafale Marine on INS Vikrant’s compact aircraft elevators, modifications to the jets’ wingtips are reportedly required, as the carrier’s lifts were originally designed for smaller aircraft like the MiG-29K.
This procurement is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on Russian military equipment and bolster domestic defense production. The agreement includes provisions for technology transfer, enabling the integration of indigenous weapons, such as the naval anti-ship missiles and BrahMos-NG, into the Rafale Marine jets. Additionally, it involves establishing production facilities in India for Rafale fuselages and maintenance, repair, and overhaul infrastructure for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons. These initiatives are expected to generate thousands of jobs and significant revenue for Indian businesses, aligning with the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) campaign. Dassault Aviation is also considering a final assembly line in India to support future orders and strengthen its position in the Indian defense market.
The deal builds on India’s prior acquisition of 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force, inducted following a 2016 agreement worth €7.87 billion. The Rafale, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, is equipped for air defense, reconnaissance, maritime strikes, and nuclear deterrence, with advanced weaponry like the Meteor air-to-air missile and Exocet AM39 anti-ship missile. The purchase was approved by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 9, 2025, reflecting New Delhi’s urgency to address regional security challenges. With China’s expanding naval presence, including a military base in Djibouti and dual-purpose vessels in the Indian Ocean, the Rafale Marine jets will enhance India’s deterrence capabilities along its contentious borders with China and Pakistan. This agreement not only reinforces India’s long-standing reliance on French military hardware, such as Mirage 2000 jets and Scorpene-class submarines, but also positions it as a key player in regional security dynamics.