Mega defence deal: India's naval, air superiority set for a major upgrade with 26 Rafale-Marine jets

The government signed a mega deal with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine jets at a cost of Rs 64,000 crore for deployment on board the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The deal also includes the setting up of a production facility for Rafale fuselage as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for aircraft engines, sensors and weapons in India. It also facilitates the transfer of technology for the integration of indigenous weapons in India. The deal includes training of personnel, supply of simulators, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics.

The pact also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF already operates 36 Rafale fighter aircraft. The defence ministry said that the Rafale-Marine has "commonality" with the Rafale being operated by the IAF.

The delivery of the aircraft will start in 2028 and will be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India. Under the deal, French aviation major Dassault Aviation will deliver 22 single-seat Rafale-Marine jets and four twin-seat trainers.

"The induction (of Rafale-Marine) would lead to the addition of a potent force multiplier to the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, substantially boosting the nation's air power at sea," the defence ministry said in a statement.

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According to Dassault Aviation, the new acquisition testifies the importance of the strategic relationship between India and France and the recognition of the aircraft as an "essential vector" of national sovereignty.

The Rafale-Marine will provide the Indian armed forces with state-of-the-art capabilities and the Indian Navy will benefit from the experience of the French Navy that already operates this aircraft, it said.

The Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in the maritime environment.

"On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to thank the Indian authorities, with whom we have been working for more than 70 years, for their confidence in us and reaffirm our unwavering determination to stand by their side to contribute to India's expression of its sovereign power, its strategic challenges and its ambitious vision of the future," said Eric Trappier, the CEO Dassault Aviation.

French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou said the agreement marks a significant new milestone in the strategic partnership between France and India. "Reflecting the deep mutual trust and confidence that underpin our defence cooperation, it also highlights the ability of the French industry to align with India's evolving needs. It paves the way for stronger industrial ties and opens new horizons for our partnership," he said.

"Its procurement will substantially enhance joint operational capability, besides optimising training and logistics for the aircraft for both Indian Navy and IAF," the ministry said in a statement.

Defence