India has signed a major defence deal worth INR 63,000 crore (about USD 7.4 billion) with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. This agreement, signed between the two governments, aims to strengthen the Indian Navy’s air power in the Indo-Pacific region, where maritime tensions are steadily rising.
The deal includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale-M aircraft, which are specially designed for operations from aircraft carriers. Along with the fighter jets, the package also includes training, simulators, weapons, associated equipment, and performance-based logistics support. Additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet is also part of this comprehensive agreement.
The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) was officially signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu. The signing ceremony took place at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi on April 28, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, where Indian and French officials exchanged signed copies of the aircraft and weapons package protocols.
In keeping with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the agreement includes provisions for Transfer of Technology. This will enable India to integrate indigenous weapons into the Rafale aircraft.
The deal also involves setting up a production facility in India for Rafale fuselages and building Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for engines, sensors and weapons. These steps are expected to generate thousands of jobs and support many small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
The Rafale-Marine is a carrier-based combat aircraft made by France’s Dassault Aviation. It is already proven in maritime operations and is known for its high performance. Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to be completed by 2030, with Indian Navy crews receiving training both in France and in India.
Since the Rafale-Marine shares many features with the Rafale jets already in use by the Indian Air Force, this purchase will help improve coordination between the Navy and the Air Force. It will also make training and logistics more efficient. The induction of these fighter jets will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s capabilities, especially on aircraft carriers, giving a strong push to India’s maritime strength.
