India strengthens naval forces with 26 Rafale Marine jets from France

India and France have finalized a major agreement valued at ₹63,000 crore for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy.

The deal, signed by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh with Vice Chief of Navy Admiral K Swaminathan present, was approved earlier this month by the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Modi.

The Rafale-M aircraft will be deployed primarily on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant as part of India’s strategic maritime defense.

This government-to-government contract covers 22 single-seat jets and four twin-seat trainer aircraft, along with weapons, simulators, crew training, and five years of performance-based logistics support.

The 26 Rafale-M jets, designed for maritime strike, air defense, and reconnaissance missions, will be delivered over a period of 37 to 65 months.

India is set to make an initial 15% payment of the total deal cost.

"The new IGA mirrors the one inked in the IAF deal. All 26 jets are to be delivered by 2031," an official said.

These advanced 4.5-generation Rafales are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

In addition to the 70-km range Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles, the aircraft will be armed with long-range precision strike capabilities, including 'Scalp' air-to-ground cruise missiles and Meteor air-to-air missiles, with ranges up to 150 km to engage enemy jets.

After extensive trials by the Navy in 2022, the Rafale-M emerged as the preferred option over the American F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The logistical advantage, shared spares, and maintenance due to the IAF’s existing Rafale fleet further bolstered its selection.

Currently, the Navy operates only 40 out of the 45 MiG-29K jets it procured from Russia for $2 billion in 2009.

These jets are stationed on the INS Vikramaditya and the INS Vikrant but face serviceability issues.

With the indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) still years away, the Rafale-M aircraft serve as an interim solution for the Navy.