India and France are poised to finalize a significant Rs 63,000 crore Rafale-M agreement on Monday for 26 carrier-based fighter jets intended for the Indian Navy. Deliveries are anticipated to commence in 2028, further solidifying Indo-French defense relations and enhancing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
India and France will conclude a substantial defense agreement on Monday to acquire 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The government-to-government pact, valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore, will be signed remotely by the defense ministers of both nations. The signing ceremony will be conducted by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and French Ambassador Thierry Mathou. Additionally, a number of government-to-business agreements are expected to be finalized during this occasion.
Details Of The Agreement
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had previously approved the deal in early April. The agreement includes 22 single-seat Rafale-M fighter jets designed for operations from aircraft carriers, along with four twin-seat trainer jets that are not intended for carrier use.
Sources have suggested that deliveries will commence between 2028 and 2029, with all jets likely to be inducted by 2031-32.
The Rafale-M package will encompass weapons, spare parts, simulators, training support, and related logistical equipment. The acquisition will take place under an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) framework.
Transition For Indian Navy
The induction of Rafale-Ms comes at a crucial time, as the Navy will be gradually retiring its aging MiG-29K fleet. The new aircraft will operate from India’s two aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and the domestically developed INS Vikrant—as a temporary solution until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) becomes operational.
Competition And Selection
The Rafale-M was in direct competition with Boeing’s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. Both aircraft met the operational requirements of the Indian Navy, but Rafale-M offered logistical advantages, sharing common maintenance and support infrastructure with the Indian Air Force’s current Rafale fleet.
Strategic Defence Cooperation
This decision underscores the growing Indo-French defense collaboration, which emphasizes the co-production and co-development of military equipment, aligning with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.
French President’s Condolence Call
Furthermore, the deal comes in the wake of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 Indians. French President Emmanuel Macron personally reached out to Prime Minister Modi to express his condolences and reaffirm France’s solidarity with India.
India’s inaugural Rafale Marine fleet outside France
This agreement comes in the wake of the July 2023 decision to select the Rafale Marine following an international tender, positioning India as the first country beyond France to utilize this state-of-the-art naval aircraft. The deal highlights India’s trust in the aircraft’s performance and its dedication to enhancing operational deployment across its defense forces.
The acquisition further solidifies the strategic partnership between India and France, emphasizing the Rafale’s significance in safeguarding national sovereignty. It reflects Dassault Aviation’s enduring commitment to supporting Indian military forces, dating back to the introduction of the Toofany fighter seven decades ago. Moreover, Dassault remains actively engaged with India’s “Make in India” and “Skill India” initiatives, fostering ongoing technological collaboration.
Boosted capabilities for the Indian armed forces
With this new addition, the Indian Navy will gain valuable combat insights from the French Navy, which has already integrated the Rafale Marine into its operations. Together with the existing 36 Rafale jets serving in the Indian Air Force, this new fleet will enhance India’s air combat dominance and solidify its status as a significant global player in defense.
Dassault Aviation’s dedication to India
Éric Trappier, Chairman & CEO of Dassault Aviation, conveyed his appreciation: “On behalf of Dassault Aviation and our partners, I extend my thanks to the Indian authorities for their trust in us. We are resolutely committed to supporting India in strengthening its sovereign capabilities, addressing strategic challenges, and realizing its ambitious future aspirations.”
About Dassault Aviation
Having delivered over 10,000 aircraft across 90 nations, Dassault Aviation stands as a recognized global leader in both military and civil aerospace. The company is continuously advancing in cutting-edge technology, with offerings ranging from the Rafale fighter to the Falcon business jet, military drones, and space systems.
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