India and France have formalized a significant defense agreement worth ₹63,000 crore (approximately $7.5 billion) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The deal was signed on April 28, 2025, marking a significant step in bolstering India's maritime capabilities and strengthening defense relations with France.
This inter-governmental agreement includes the purchase of 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and four twin-seat trainer variants. Alongside the aircraft, the deal encompasses weapons, simulators, associated equipment, crew training, and performance-based logistics support. Deliveries of the Rafale-M jets are expected to commence in approximately four years, with the Indian Navy slated to begin receiving the aircraft by the end of 2029 and complete the entire order by 2031. A 15% initial payment is expected as part of the deal.
The Rafale-M is the naval variant of the Rafale fighter jet, designed to operate from aircraft carriers. These jets will be deployed on India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, significantly enhancing the nation's maritime power and its ability to counter threats in the Indian Ocean region. The Rafale-M is specifically designed to withstand the demanding conditions of carrier operations, featuring reinforced landing gear, a reinforced undercarriage, folding wings, and a tailhook for arrested landings. These modifications are crucial for operating effectively from a carrier deck. The aircraft is also equipped with Safran Group's reinforced landing gears, and a jump-strut nose wheel, enabling catapult launches.
The Indian Navy has been seeking to augment its carrier-borne fighter fleet, which currently consists of Russian MiG-29K fighters. The acquisition of the Rafale-M will not only replace the aging MiG-29K fleet but also significantly modernize India's naval air power. The Rafale-M emerged as the frontrunner after extensive trials conducted by the Indian Navy, surpassing the American F/A-18 Super Hornet.
This deal marks the first export order for the naval variant of the Rafale fighter. India will be the first country other than France to operate both the air force and naval versions of the Rafale. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 36 Rafale fighters, acquired in 2016. This commonality between the IAF and Navy will create advantages in training, maintenance, and logistics support. The new jets will also support the IAF's "buddy-buddy" mid-air refueling system, allowing Rafale aircraft to refuel each other during missions, extending their operational range.
In line with the Indian government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative, the agreement includes transfer of technology for the integration of indigenous weapons. India also negotiated for the inclusion of specific weapon systems, including Astra Mark I air-to-air and Rudram Mark II anti-radiation supersonic missiles, both of which were developed in-house. The aircraft is also built to exacting specifications for life on board carriers, with reinforced Sarfran Group landing gears and undercarriage to land at sea, and foldable wings.
The acquisition of the Rafale-M is particularly significant given the increasing security concerns over China's growing maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region. With its advanced capabilities, the Rafale-M will provide the Indian Navy with a distinct advantage over regional rivals in the Indian Ocean Region. According to Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, this acquisition will allow the Navy to "negate" any infringement in its area of operations and be "ready to tackle threats from all neighbors".
Overall, the Rafale-M deal represents a crucial step in modernizing India's armed forces, enhancing its maritime security, and strengthening its strategic partnership with France.
