India Signs Historic Rs 63,000-Crore Deal For Rafale M Jets; 26 Naval Aircraft To Be Delivered By 2031 From France

The Governments of India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M fighter jets.

The deal, concluded which today (28 April), includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft for the Indian Navy, along with associated training, simulators, weapons, and performance-based logistics support, according to the official press statement.

The agreement was signed by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, with documents exchanged in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.

In a major boost to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, the pact also encompasses the transfer of technology for integrating indigenous weapons, the establishment of a Rafale fuselage production line, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for engines, sensors, and weapon systems within India.

The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and invigorate MSMEs engaged in the production and maintenance ecosystem.

Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a battle-proven, carrier-borne fighter jet renowned for its operational prowess in maritime environments. Deliveries are slated for completion by 2030, with the Indian crew undergoing comprehensive training in both France and India.

Notably, the Rafale-Marine shares significant commonality with the Rafale jets currently operated by the Indian Air Force, facilitating streamlined training and logistics.

According to NDTV report, the new fleet will be deployed on aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, strengthening its posture in the strategically vital Indian Ocean. The Rafale M jets will replace the ageing MiG-29K fleet.

The Rafale M is celebrated as one of the world’s most advanced naval fighters. At present, only the French Navy operates this aircraft, which boasts Safran Group’s reinforced landing gears, folding wings, and a robust undercarriage designed to endure the harsh demands of deck landings and operations.

The Navy also plans to induct indigenous fifth-generation twin-engine, deck-based fighters being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to further bolster its future operational readiness.

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