New Delhi, April 28, 2025 — In a major step towards strengthening India’s maritime security and naval air strike capabilities, the Government of India signed a ₹63,000 crore agreement with France on Monday for the purchase of 26 Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets. The deal was finalized after extensive negotiations between the Indian Ministry of Defence and French defence giant Dassault Aviation.
The procurement includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater trainer aircraft, specifically tailored for deployment on Indian aircraft carriers—INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The formal signing ceremony took place in New Delhi and was attended by senior Indian defence officials and representatives from the French government and Dassault Aviation.
A Strategic Leap for Indian Navy
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s modernization plans. The Rafale-M jets are carrier-based variants of the combat-proven Rafale fighters already in service with the Indian Air Force. These jets are designed to operate from aircraft carriers using a “ski-jump” ramp for take-off—perfectly compatible with India’s current carriers.
According to officials, deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin by mid-2028 and are expected to be completed by 2030. Once inducted, the Rafale-Ms will replace the aging MiG-29K fleet, enhancing India’s naval aviation capabilities with advanced radar systems, longer range, greater payload capacity, and superior avionics.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement, “This is a decisive step towards bolstering India’s maritime security. The Rafale-M is a proven platform, and its deployment aboard INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya will significantly strengthen the Navy’s operational reach and deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.”
Why Rafale-M?
The choice of Rafale-M over the American F/A-18 Super Hornet came after exhaustive trials conducted by the Indian Navy in 2023. Both aircraft underwent compatibility tests on the shore-based test facility in Goa to assess their suitability for ski-jump take-offs. The Rafale-M emerged as the preferred option due to its proven combat performance, integration possibilities with existing platforms, and the strategic partnership with France under the India-France defence cooperation framework.
The deal also includes weapons packages, spares, support infrastructure, and training for Indian Navy pilots and ground crew. Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and MICA air combat missiles will be part of the weapons systems integrated into the aircraft.
Strengthening the India-France Strategic Partnership
This landmark deal is expected to further cement the strategic defence partnership between India and France. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his appreciation for India’s trust in French technology. In a message shared on social media, Macron stated, “France is proud to partner with India in ensuring regional peace and stability. The Rafale-M deal represents another milestone in our deepening strategic and defence ties.”
France is already a key supplier of military equipment to India and a long-standing partner in projects ranging from the Scorpene-class submarines to the IAF’s Rafale jets. This naval aviation deal adds another crucial dimension to that relationship.
Domestic Manufacturing and Technology Transfer
Though the aircraft will be manufactured in France, a portion of the logistics, maintenance support, and spare parts manufacturing is expected to involve Indian defence firms under the “Make in India” initiative. Officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are reportedly in discussions to provide ancillary systems support.
This initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities and boost the domestic defence ecosystem.
Conclusion
With tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific and increased Chinese naval activity, India’s decision to induct advanced naval fighters underscores its commitment to maritime dominance and self-reliance in defence. The Rafale-Ms will serve as a force multiplier for India’s blue-water navy ambitions in the coming decades.
Sources:
- Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Press release by Dassault Aviation (April 28, 2025)
- “India signs Rafale-M deal with France for Navy,” The Hindu, April 28, 2025
- “Rafale-M vs F/A-18: Why Indian Navy chose French fighter jets,” Hindustan Times, April 2025
