New Delhi | April 9, 2025 — In a significant boost to India's maritime defence capabilities, the central government has approved a landmark ₹63,000-crore government-to-government deal with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The Rafale M (Marine) is the naval variant of the world-renowned Rafale fighter, already in service with the Indian Air Force.
The fleet will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft, marking the Navy’s first major fighter jet upgrade in decades. These jets are expected to be deployed on the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, further enhancing India’s presence and deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
The agreement, which was first discussed in July 2023, includes a comprehensive support package — encompassing fleet maintenance, logistics, personnel training, and a commitment to indigenous manufacturing of components under France’s offset obligations.
Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to begin five years after the contract is signed, which is likely to happen later this month during the visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Full induction of the fleet is projected to be complete by 2031.
Strengthening Maritime Defence
With growing strategic challenges in the Indian Ocean — especially concerning increased Chinese activity — the Rafale M acquisition is seen as a vital step in India’s long-term naval preparedness. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi had earlier stated that India is "tweaking its strategy" to "negate any infringement" in its maritime domain and is "ready to tackle threats from all neighbours."
The new Rafales will complement the existing fleet of MiG-29K fighter jets, which will continue to be operated from INS Vikramaditya, India's older aircraft carrier. The Rafale M is equipped with reinforced landing gear, folding wings, and robust tailhooks, making it ideally suited for aircraft carrier operations in challenging conditions.
A Multi-Dimensional Boost
Beyond bolstering the Navy’s strike capability, the new Rafales will enhance joint operations with the Indian Air Force (IAF), particularly in the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refuelling system. This system allows one aircraft to refuel another mid-air, greatly extending the operational range of both.
Currently, the IAF operates 36 Rafale 'C' variants from two northern bases. The Navy’s new Rafales will significantly enhance joint operational flexibility and strategic response across multiple theatres.
Indigenous Development Continues
India is also developing its own fifth-generation deck-based fighter jets under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These twin-engine fighters, styled as the naval counterpart of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), are expected to serve alongside the Rafales in the future.
As India continues to modernise its military forces, the Rafale M deal stands as a symbol of the country’s commitment to self-reliance, strategic autonomy, and robust defence diplomacy.
