News:
In a landmark move to modernize India’s naval aviation, India and France have finalized a $10 billion agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets. The deal marks a major step in strengthening India’s maritime defense capabilities and expanding its strategic cooperation with France.
The agreement, signed in New Delhi between representatives of Dassault Aviation and the Indian Ministry of Defence, follows months of high-level discussions and technical evaluations. The Rafale-M jets, a naval variant of the battle-tested Rafale fighter, will operate from India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and the upcoming INS Vishal.
According to defense sources, the first batch of Rafale-M jets will arrive by late 2026, with pilot training and maintenance programs commencing earlier in France. The advanced fighter aircraft are expected to enhance India’s strike capabilities at sea, giving it a decisive edge in the Indian Ocean region amid increasing Chinese naval presence.
The Rafale-M is equipped with state-of-the-art radar, precision-guided weapons, and superior range, making it ideal for carrier-based operations. It can perform a variety of missions including air superiority, interception, reconnaissance, and anti-ship strikes.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu hailed the deal as a “historic milestone” that underscores the deep trust and defense cooperation between the two nations. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the partnership reflects India’s growing global defense stature and aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
A portion of the deal will also involve technology transfer and maintenance collaboration with Indian defense companies, ensuring long-term operational sustainability. Experts believe this deal positions India among the top nations with advanced naval aviation power, on par with major global navies.
This Rafale-M deal follows the successful induction of 36 Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force, which have already proven their combat readiness. With the Navy’s Rafale-Ms, India’s maritime domain awareness, quick strike capability, and deterrence power are expected to reach unprecedented levels.