In a strategic enhancement of its naval capabilities, India has finalized a significant government-to-government deal with France valued at ₹63,000 crore for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets specifically designed for the Indian Navy. This marks a pivotal moment as it represents the Navy’s first major acquisition of fighter aircraft in decades.
The procurement includes 22 single-seat and four twin-seat Rafale M variants, which are optimized for operations on aircraft carriers. These state-of-the-art jets will be primarily deployed on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, bolstering India’s maritime operations and enhancing its power projection in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.
The deal was first mooted in July 2023 and has since been the focus of intense negotiations between the Defence Ministries of India and France. It encompasses a comprehensive support package, covering fleet maintenance, logistics, crew training, and local manufacturing of various components as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative through offset obligations.
An official agreement is slated to be signed later this month during the upcoming visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu to India. Deliveries of the Rafale M jets are expected to commence five years post-signing, with the entire fleet projected to be integrated by 2031.
The Rafale M jets are recognized as some of the most advanced naval fighters in the world, featuring reinforced landing gear, folding wings, tailhooks, and a durable undercarriage capable of enduring the rigors of carrier-based operations.
Sources indicate that the arrival of these Rafale M aircraft will augment the Indian Navy’s existing fleet of MiG-29K jets, which will continue to operate aboard the INS Vikramaditya. The integration of Rafale M aircraft will also foster improved interoperability with the Indian Air Force, which currently operates 36 Rafale C variants from two bases in northern India. Notably, systems such as the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refueling capability will enhance the operational range and endurance of both naval and air operations.
Furthermore, the Navy is set to induct indigenous fifth-generation deck-based fighter jets currently in development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These twin-engine fighters will be the naval variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program being designed for the Air Force.
As geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region continue to shift, this acquisition not only affirms India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests but also enhances its deterrence capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges.
