India has formalised a major government-to-government agreement with France to procure 26 naval variants of the Rafale fighter jet.
Valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore, the deal is poised to enhance the operational strength of the Indian Navy, particularly aboard the country’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. According to senior officials, the agreement encompasses 22 single-seat Rafale M fighters along with four twin-seat trainer variants, all set to be deployed to meet the Navy’s pressing need for advanced deck-based fighter aircraft. The transaction, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) earlier this month, is seen as a crucial interim solution until India’s indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter programme reaches maturity.
This procurement underscores the urgency of equipping INS Vikrant, India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, with aircraft capable of performing in the harsh conditions of maritime operations. Naval aviation experts highlight that carrier operations impose severe mechanical and environmental stresses on fighter jets, and the Rafale M’s proven design offers resilience and adaptability to such challenges. The contract not only covers the aircraft themselves but also includes a comprehensive support package comprising weapons systems, simulators, spare parts, crew training modules, and logistics support, all arranged through the French government. French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale jets, has tailored these aircraft specifically for carrier operations, already deploying them successfully aboard the French Navy’s flagship carrier, Charles de Gaulle.
Officials within the defence establishment emphasised that while India continues to push forward with indigenous efforts to develop a twin-engine deck-based fighter under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Rafale M acquisition was essential to avoid capability gaps during the transition period. Defence experts also noted that the selection of the Rafale M followed an extensive evaluation process comparing it with other global contenders. The aircraft’s durability, advanced avionics, and its ability to operate effectively from carriers weighing 40,000 tonnes and above made it the preferred choice for India’s naval expansion plans.
Notably, the approval for procuring these fighter jets was first granted in July 2023, when the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) endorsed the Navy’s proposal, marking a strategic shift towards securing maritime dominance in an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific region. The decision aligns with India’s broader geopolitical strategy of reinforcing its blue-water navy capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics. Beyond the immediate military advantages, the Rafale acquisition also carries significant implications for India’s defence industrial ambitions. While this deal focuses on imports, it reinforces strategic partnerships that could facilitate greater defence manufacturing collaborations under India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Defence officials indicated that future phases could include discussions around technology transfers, co-production, and sustainability practices within the aviation sector to reduce long-term carbon emissions — an area where Indo-French cooperation has historically been strong.
Sustainability experts have increasingly called attention to how defence procurements must also account for environmental impacts. Although fighter jets inherently have a substantial carbon footprint, integrating greener manufacturing practices, efficient maintenance routines, and future retrofitting options for sustainable fuels are now part of forward-looking defence planning discussions. The arrival of Rafale fighters will significantly enhance the combat-readiness of INS Vikrant, enabling it to operate as a fully mission-capable platform with multi-role capabilities ranging from air defence and reconnaissance to anti-surface and strike missions. With India aspiring to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, strengthening naval aviation assets remains a cornerstone of national security policy.
While the focus remains firmly on augmenting India’s maritime security infrastructure, officials have also pointed out that the operational integration of the Rafale M fleet will involve extensive training and simulation exercises. The phased induction will ensure that pilots and maintenance crews are fully aligned with the performance characteristics and operational doctrines associated with these advanced aircraft. As India continues to expand its maritime footprint, partnerships like the one with France, anchored in both military and technological collaboration, are expected to play a pivotal role. The current agreement represents not just an arms deal, but a strategic convergence between two countries committed to preserving stability in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
With the Rafale M jets soon to be part of India’s naval arsenal, the Indian Navy is set to embark on a new era of enhanced maritime capability, operational readiness, and strategic deterrence, reinforcing the country’s standing as a major force on the global stage.
India France Finalise Rs 63,000 Crore Deal for Rafale Fighter Jets
