The Indian government has finalized a significant defense agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
Valued at Rs 63,000 crore, the deal includes 22 single-seater jets and 4 twin-seater variants, along with comprehensive maintenance packages, training, and provisions for indigenous manufacturing under offset obligations.
These state-of-the-art jets, tailored for carrier-based operations, will replace the Navy’s aging MiG-29K fleet and significantly bolster air power at sea. They are slated for deployment on India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous INS Vikrant. The first batch of Rafale Marine jets will arrive by late 2029, with the full fleet inducted by 2031.
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the deal ensures expedited timelines and assured support from Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer. This step marks a milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen naval air capabilities and enhance its defense readiness.
