In a major boost to India’s naval strike capabilities, the government has cleared a ₹63,000-crore government-to-government deal with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. This marks the Navy’s first significant fighter aircraft acquisition in decades.

The long-anticipated deal includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale M variants, which are tailored for aircraft carrier operations. These advanced jets will primarily be deployed aboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, enhancing maritime operations and power projection in the Indian Ocean Region.

First proposed in July 2023, the deal has been under negotiation between the Defence Ministries of India and France. It also includes a full support package: fleet maintenance, logistics, crew training, and the local manufacturing of components under the ‘Make in India’ initiative via offset obligations.

The official agreement is expected to be signed later this month during the visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu to India. Deliveries are anticipated to begin five years from the signing, with the full fleet expected to be inducted by 2031.

The Rafale M is regarded as one of the most advanced naval fighters globally. It features reinforced landing gear by Safran Group, folding wings, tailhooks, and a rugged undercarriage to withstand the demanding conditions of carrier-based operations.

According to sources, the addition of Rafale Ms will complement the Navy’s existing MiG-29K fleet, which will continue operations aboard INS Vikramaditya. The Rafales will also enhance interoperability with the Indian Air Force, which operates 36 Rafale C variants from two northern bases, particularly through systems like the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refuelling system that extends operational range and endurance.

The Navy also plans to induct indigenous fifth-generation deck-based fighter jets being developed by the DRDO, as part of the broader modernization strategy. These twin-engine fighters will be the naval version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program being developed for the Air Force.

As tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to evolve, this strategic acquisition underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and maintaining a robust naval deterrent.