New Delhi: India has approved the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets from France, in a government-to-government agreement valued at over ₹63,000 crore (approximately $7 billion). This acquisition represents a significant enhancement of the Indian Navy’s air capabilities, particularly for operations aboard aircraft carriers such as INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
The Rafale M is specifically designed for carrier-based operations, featuring reinforced landing gear, tail hooks, and folding wings to withstand the demanding conditions of aircraft carrier decks. Its advanced avionics and weaponry, including the Meteor air-to-air missile and SCALP precision strike missile, provide a substantial boost to India’s maritime strike capabilities.
Beyond enhancing naval operations, this deal has implications for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The acquisition includes provisions for buddy-buddy aerial refueling, allowing Rafale jets from both the Navy and Air Force to extend their operational range. Additionally, the agreement encompasses maintenance support, personnel training, and opportunities for indigenous manufacturing of components under offset obligations, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative.
The formal agreements are expected to be signed during the visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu to India later this month, with deliveries anticipated to commence five years post-signing, aiming for full operational capability by 2031.
