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In a landmark move to boost its naval capabilities, India has cleared a government-to-government deal with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The ₹63,000-crore agreement marks the first major fighter jet upgrade for the country’s naval forces.
The deal, expected to be formally signed later this month during the visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, includes a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, training for personnel, and the indigenous manufacturing of components under offset obligations. Deliveries are projected to begin five years after the contract is finalized, with full induction likely by 2031.
The acquisition includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale M jets, which will primarily be deployed on the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The deployment aims to bolster India’s maritime strike capabilities amid growing security challenges in the Indian Ocean region, particularly with increased Chinese activity.
The Rafale M, regarded as one of the most advanced naval fighter jets globally, features cutting-edge technology. It is equipped with Safran Group’s reinforced landing gear, folding wings, and a robust undercarriage designed for deck landings and harsh maritime environments. It also includes tailhooks for carrier operations.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, in a statement from December, emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition, stating, “We are tweaking our strategy to negate any infringement in our area of operations and are ready to tackle threats from all neighbours.”
The Rafales will work in tandem with the Navy’s existing fleet of MiG-29K fighters, which are expected to continue operations aboard INS Vikramaditya, the Navy’s older aircraft carrier. Additionally, the new jets will enhance the Air Force’s capabilities by supporting the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refueling system, enabling one aircraft to refuel another mid-air and extend operational endurance.
This acquisition complements the Indian Air Force’s current fleet of 36 Rafale ‘C’ variant jets, which are based at two key locations in northern India.
Looking ahead, the Indian Navy is also eyeing the induction of indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets. These deck-based twin-engine aircraft are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will serve as the naval counterpart to the Air Force’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
This Rafale deal underlines India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure and ensuring maritime dominance in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.
Sources By Agencies
