In a landmark move to strengthen its naval aviation, India signed a Rs 63,000 crore government-to-government deal with France on Monday to procure 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The agreement, finalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the French Ambassador to India, marks India’s largest-ever fighter jet acquisition and underscores deepening defense ties between New Delhi and Paris.
The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month, includes 22 single-seater jets designed for carrier operations and four twin-seater trainer variants. These jets, manufactured by French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation, will be deployed primarily on India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and will complement operations on INS Vikramaditya. The Rafale-M jets are expected to replace the Navy’s ageing MiG-29K fleet, which has faced maintenance challenges.
Strategic Boost Amid Regional Tensions
The acquisition comes at a time of heightened maritime security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, with China expanding its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The Rafale-M, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and long-range cruise missiles like the Scalp-EG. Its proven operational record with the French Navy, including deployments from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, adds credibility to its role in enhancing India’s power projection at sea.
“This deal is a game-changer for the Indian Navy,” said a senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The Rafale-M will significantly boost our maritime strike capabilities and ensure operational readiness against emerging threats.”
Comprehensive Package and Indigenous Push
The agreement encompasses a comprehensive package, including weapons, simulators, spares, crew training, and logistical support. It also aligns with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with provisions for indigenous manufacturing of components under offset obligations. Notably, the deal facilitates the integration of India’s Astra beyond-visual-range missile onto the Rafale-M, enhancing local defense capabilities. A maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub will also be established to support both the Navy’s new jets and the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of 36 Rafale jets, procured in 2016 for Rs 59,000 crore.
Deliveries of the Rafale-M jets are expected to begin within 37 to 65 months, with the first batch arriving by late 2029 and the full order completed by 2031. The jets will feature India-specific enhancements, such as reinforced undercarriages and arrestor hooks for carrier operations, and the Thales SPECTRA electronic warfare suite optimized for maritime missions.
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Addressing a Capability Gap
The procurement addresses a critical gap in the Navy’s aviation capabilities, which have relied on the underperforming MiG-29K fleet. Initially, the Navy sought 57 fighter jets, but the number was scaled down to 26 as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) works on an indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), expected to materialize in the next decade. The Rafale-M serves as a stopgap solution, ensuring operational continuity until the TEDBF is ready.
The deal has sparked some debate, with military planners noting its high cost—approximately Rs 2,423 crore per jet—compared to the 2016 IAF Rafale deal. Critics argue that the reduced order size falls short of the Navy’s original requirements, potentially limiting its operational flexibility. However, supporters emphasize the strategic necessity of modernizing naval aviation amid regional geopolitical shifts.
A Milestone in India-France Defense Ties
The Rafale-M deal builds on a series of defense collaborations between India and France, including the 2016 Rafale purchase and ongoing negotiations for additional Scorpene-class submarines. French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who was expected to visit India, underscored France’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reinforcing the strategic partnership.
Signed outside the Defence Ministry headquarters at South Block, the agreement was hailed as a testament to India’s focus on self-reliance and regional security. “Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is equipping its forces with cutting-edge technology to safeguard our maritime interests,” tweeted a defense analyst on X, reflecting public sentiment.
As India prepares to induct these advanced jets, the Rafale-M deal positions the Navy to play a pivotal role in securing the Indian Ocean, while fostering technological and industrial cooperation with France.