NEW DELHI: In a major boost to naval aviation, India on April 28, 2025, signed a Rs 63,000-crore agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. The deal includes 22 single-seat and 4 twin-seat variants, pilot training, simulators, weapons, maintenance support, and technology transfer for integrating indigenous weaponry. This marks India’s first acquisition of the carrier-based variant of the Rafale, making it the only country besides France to operate both air force and naval versions.
The Rafale-M jets will be deployed on India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, replacing ageing MiG-29K fighters. Designed for maritime operations, the jets will enhance the Navy’s ability to undertake air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, and interdiction missions at sea. With their carrier-compatibility and advanced sensors, the jets offer a decisive edge in securing India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region.
This procurement complements India’s broader defence ties with France and builds upon the earlier 2016 deal for 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force. Once the new aircraft are delivered, India will field a combined Rafale fleet of 62 by 2030. The agreement is also seen as an interim step until India’s indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is operational.
Crucially, the deal supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with a transfer of technology component that enables the integration of Indian-developed weapons systems and establishes long-term maintenance capabilities within the country. Officials say this will generate employment, improve self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and strengthen India’s strategic autonomy. (With PIB inputs)
