Key Points
- India and France have signed a landmark ₹63,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, marking India’s largest-ever defense procurement for the Navy.
- The Rafale-M jets will be deployed on aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, replacing the aging MiG-29K fleet and boosting India’s maritime strike capability.
- The contract includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, with delivery expected between 2029 and 2031, and features extensive maintenance, training, and local manufacturing provisions.
- The deal comes amid rising security concerns in the Indian Ocean and aims to counter China’s expanding naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.
- The agreement deepens India-France strategic ties and paves the way for future technology transfer and co-production initiatives.
New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s maritime power, the government on Monday signed a ₹63,000 crore agreement with France for 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets, marking the largest defense procurement in Indian Navy history. The deal was formalized in New Delhi, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K Swaminathan representing India, while French and Indian defence ministers participated virtually.
Why Rafale-M? Addressing Urgent Naval Needs
The Indian Navy urgently requires modern carrier-borne fighters to replace its aging MiG-29K fleet, which has faced persistent maintenance and reliability issues. The new Rafale-M jets will be deployed on India’s two aircraft carriers-INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya-significantly enhancing air support, strike range, and maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean. The Rafale-M is considered among the world’s most advanced naval fighters, currently operated only by the French Navy.
Deal Details: What’s Included?
- Aircraft Configuration: 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale-M jets, custom-tailored for Indian Navy needs.
- Deployment: All jets will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, replacing MiG-29Ks and supporting India’s blue-water operations.
- Timeline: Deliveries will begin about 37 months after contract signing, with full induction expected by 2031.
- Support Package: The deal includes maintenance, logistical support, crew training, simulators, and a push for indigenous manufacturing through offset obligations.
- Weapons & Upgrades: The Rafale-Ms will be equipped with advanced avionics, AESA radar, Meteor and SCALP missiles, and may integrate Indian-made Astra missiles in the future.
Strategic Significance: Countering Regional Threats
This acquisition comes amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with China’s expanding naval footprint and modernized aircraft carrier fleet. The Rafale-M’s advanced capabilities-such as precision-guided munitions, superior radar, and electronic warfare systems-will help India maintain a technological edge and protect its interests in the Indian Ocean Region.
Transition Plan: From MiG-29K to Rafale-M
While the MiG-29K fleet will continue in service until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is ready by 2035, the Rafale-Ms serve as a crucial stopgap, ensuring operational readiness and bridging the capability gap. The MiG-29K has been the backbone of India’s naval aviation but has struggled with maintenance and availability, prompting the need for this timely upgrade.
Deepening India-France Defence Partnership
The Rafale-M deal not only strengthens India’s naval aviation but also deepens strategic ties with France, opening avenues for future technology transfer, co-production, and enhanced maritime cooperation. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets, and the new deal will raise India’s total Rafale fleet to 62, further streamlining logistics and training.
The ₹63,000 crore Rafale-M deal marks a transformative leap for the Indian Navy, ensuring that India’s aircraft carriers are equipped with state-of-the-art fighters to meet evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement reflects both a strategic response to regional threats and a milestone in India-France defence collaboration.
