India has finalized a landmark defense agreement worth ₹63,000 crore ($7.5 billion) with France’s Dassault Aviation to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. This significant deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, comes at a critical juncture as tensions with Pakistan escalate. These jets will primarily strengthen the capabilities of the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.
Historic Defense Pact Strengthens India-France Strategic Ties
The deal was formalized on Monday in New Delhi, with India represented by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the presence of Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. Although France’s Defense Minister was initially slated to attend, unforeseen personal reasons led to his absence. Nonetheless, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh graced the ceremony, signaling the importance of the agreement.
This acquisition underscores India’s growing maritime strength and reflects the enduring India-France defense partnership, already bolstered by India’s earlier procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Air Force in 2016.
Deployment on INS Vikrant: A Strategic Leap
The Rafale Marine (Rafale M) jets will operate from INS Vikrant, significantly boosting the carrier’s offensive and defensive capabilities. These advanced jets will complement and eventually replace the aging MiG-29K fleet, which has faced persistent issues related to performance and maintenance.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates two squadrons of Rafale jets stationed at Ambala and Hasimara airbases. With the addition of these 26 new jets, India’s Rafale fleet will swell to 62 aircraft, solidifying the country’s position as a formidable air power in the region.
MiG-29K Phased Out Due to Persistent Deficiencies
The MiG-29K fighters, once the backbone of India’s carrier-borne operations, have long struggled with maintenance woes, limited serviceability, and operational reliability. Recognizing these challenges, the Indian Navy has actively sought a superior replacement, and the Rafale Marine emerged as the most suitable candidate after thorough evaluation trials.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, granted its final approval for the Rafale Marine acquisition on April 9, 2025, marking it as one of India’s largest defense deals in history.
Key Features of the Rafale Marine Jets
The Rafale M brings cutting-edge capabilities that dramatically enhance India’s maritime air superiority:
Exceptional Climb Rate: It can ascend to an altitude of 18,000 meters (59,000 feet) within a minute, showcasing unmatched agility.
Extended Combat Radius: It boasts a striking range of 3,700 kilometers, allowing deep-penetration strikes far beyond home bases.
Carrier-Optimized Design: Unlike its Air Force counterpart, the Rafale M features foldable wings for efficient carrier operations.
Stealth Capabilities: It is equipped with low-observability features, making it adept at evading enemy radar detection.
All-Weather Operations: The Rafale Marine can perform missions even in extreme Himalayan winter conditions.
Heavy Payload Capacity: Weighing approximately 10,300 kilograms, the Rafale M is designed for heavy armament loads.
Its versatility outmatches Pakistan’s F-16s and rivals China’s Chengdu J-20 stealth fighters, offering India a decisive technological edge.
Comprehensive Support Package to Bolster Self-Reliance
The deal is not limited to aircraft alone. It includes:
22 single-seater Rafale Marine jets
4 twin-seater trainer variants
Weapon systems, including beyond-visual-range missiles and precision-guided munitions
Spare parts and logistics support
Personnel training programs
A roadmap for indigenous component manufacturing under India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative
This comprehensive approach ensures that India will not only operate these advanced aircraft effectively but will also develop localized capabilities for long-term maintenance and support.
Urgency Behind the Acquisition
Sources within the defense establishment stress the immediate need for carrier-borne fighters capable of supporting INS Vikrant’s operational readiness. Given the strategic imperatives in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and increasing threats from both Pakistan and China, this procurement addresses critical gaps in India’s maritime security apparatus.
The Rafale Marine jets will enable India to project power, secure vital sea lanes, and act as a credible deterrent against hostile maneuvers in contested waters.
France and India’s Deepening Defense Cooperation
Over the years, France has emerged as one of India’s most trusted strategic partners, especially in defense. The successful execution of the earlier Rafale Air Force deal paved the way for this new collaboration. This deal further consolidates the India-France military alliance, extending cooperation into naval aviation.
It is notable that India’s decision to bypass traditional US suppliers and opt for French jets reflects New Delhi’s intent to diversify its defense procurement sources and reduce over-reliance on any single partner.
Operational and Strategic Advantages
Deploying Rafale Marine jets aboard INS Vikrant offers India several strategic advantages:
Rapid Force Projection: Quick deployment capabilities across the IOR
Enhanced Air Defense: Superior intercept and air superiority capabilities
Strategic Deterrence: A robust deterrent against adversaries contemplating aggression
Synergy with Indian Air Force: Maintenance commonality and training coherence with existing Rafale squadrons
With enhanced interoperability between India’s air and naval forces, the country stands better prepared to handle multi-theater threats.
