In a significant boost to India’s naval aviation capabilities, India and France on Monday signed a high-profile defence deal for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine (M) fighter jets at an estimated cost of ₹63,000 crore. The procurement, under a government-to-government agreement, aims to strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational readiness aboard aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
The deal, cleared earlier this month by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes 22 single-seat Rafale M jets and four twin-seat trainer aircraft. The advanced jets, produced by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, will be delivered with a comprehensive support package covering weapon systems, simulators, spares, training, and logistical assistance.
Designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations, the Rafale M has a proven track record with the French Navy, operating from its flagship carrier, Charles de Gaulle. The aircraft’s robust design, coupled with features for enhanced survivability in high-corrosion maritime environments, makes it an ideal fit for India’s indigenous 40,000-tonne class aircraft carrier.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, had given initial approval for the procurement in July 2023, recognizing the Navy’s pressing need for deck-based fighters. The Rafale M jets are being inducted as an interim solution while India continues its development of an indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter.
