India inks landmark deal with France for 26 Rafale-Marine jets, boosting naval air power, local defence production, and jobs under Aatmanirbhar Bharat by 2030.
India and France have formalised an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) for the purchase of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, along with training systems, simulators, weapons, and associated equipment. It also covers performance-based logistics and additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) current Rafale fleet.
The agreement was signed on Monday at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu. Officials from both nations exchanged documents, including protocols on aircraft and weapons supply. The Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was also present.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), aligned with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the pact includes provisions for technology transfer. This will enable integration of indigenous weapons and establish production facilities for fuselages, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centres for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons in India.
These steps are expected to generate employment and benefit a wide network of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Rafale-Marine, built by France’s Dassault Aviation, is a naval version of the Rafale jet designed for carrier-based operations. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2030. Training for Indian personnel will take place in both France and India.
Furthermore, sharing operational similarities with the IAF’s Rafale fleet, the new aircraft are set to improve interoperability. The induction is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime combat capabilities and strengthen air power projection from aircraft carriers.
