In a significant boost to India’s naval aviation capabilities, the government has approved a high-value government-to-government deal with France for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The deal, valued at over ₹63,000 crore, is expected to be formally signed in the coming weeks, defence sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the long-anticipated proposal which will see the Indian Navy receive 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater trainer variants. Alongside the aircraft, the package includes a complete suite of logistical support, fleet maintenance, personnel training, and provisions for indigenous manufacturing components under offset obligations.
What are Rafale Marine jets?
The Rafale Marine jets are the carrier-based variant of the combat-proven Rafale aircraft developed by France’s Dassault Aviation. Designed specifically for naval operations, the Rafale-M features reinforced landing gear, arrestor hooks, and a strengthened airframe to support Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations from Indian aircraft carriers.
Once inducted, these jets will be deployed aboard the Navy’s flagship carriers — INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous INS Vikrant — replacing the ageing MiG-29K fleet.
The deliveries of the Rafale Marine are expected to commence by late 2029, with full induction likely by 2031, the India Today reported quoting sources. The deal is being processed through an inter-governmental route to ensure faster delivery timelines and guaranteed long-term maintenance support from the original equipment manufacturer.
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In addition to the Rafale Marine acquisition, India is also advancing plans to expand its submarine fleet. Under Project-75, the government has approved the construction of three more Scorpene-class submarines in collaboration with France’s Naval Group and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). This is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s underwater warfare capabilities amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The Rafale M deal
The Rafale M deal is the second major procurement of the Rafale platform by India after the Indian Air Force received 36 Rafale jets between 2020 and 2022. The Indian Navy had conducted extensive trials of the Rafale Marine and the US-made F/A-18 Super Hornet before selecting the French fighter as the preferred choice.
Defence analysts see the deal as a strategic move to enhance India’s maritime power projection and deepen its military ties with France. It also aligns with India’s emphasis on boosting indigenous defence capabilities through technology transfers and local production obligations.
The Rafale-M’s superior avionics, multi-role capabilities, and proven performance in carrier-based missions are expected to significantly enhance India’s operational readiness in the high seas, particularly in the Indo-Pacific theatre where geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
