India and France Finalize Acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine Fighters for Indian Navy
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India and France have concluded negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine carrier-based fighter aircraft, a strategic contract valued at approximately $7.6 billion (€7 billion). According to Indian Defence News, the formal agreement is expected to be signed in April 2025 during a visit to India by the French Minister of Defence. This acquisition represents a significant step in the modernization of the Indian Navy’s air capabilities, replacing the aging MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft currently operated by INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers.” The new aircraft will be deployed on the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean.
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The agreement includes the delivery of 22 Rafale Marine single-seat fighters and 4 Rafale B twin-seat aircraft, the latter intended exclusively for advanced pilot training on land before their operational transition to carrier-based operations (Picture source: Dassault)
The agreement includes the delivery of 22 Rafale Marine single-seat fighters and 4 Rafale B twin-seat aircraft, the latter intended exclusively for advanced pilot training on land before their operational transition to carrier-based operations. Unlike the Rafale M, the Rafale B is not designed for carrier landings and takeoffs, but it will serve as a critical component in preparing pilots for carrier-based missions.
Beyond the aircraft, the contract covers a comprehensive weapons package, including the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, which provides an engagement capability beyond 150 km, and the Exocet AM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missile, designed for high-precision, low-altitude strikes against naval targets. Additionally, the package includes performance-based logistics (PBL) support to ensure high availability rates and a training program for both pilots and maintenance crews.
The Rafale Marine was selected over Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet after extensive evaluations. India conducted trials to assess the ability of both aircraft to operate from its STOBAR-configured (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) carriers, with the Rafale M proving more suitable to the Indian Navy’s operational requirements.
Developed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale M is specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations. It features a reinforced airframe, a specialized arrestor hook, and a landing gear system capable of handling the high-impact stresses of carrier landings. The aircraft can land within just 105 meters of deck space and requires 112 meters for catapult-assisted takeoff. These characteristics ensure compatibility with India’s carrier deck configurations.
The Rafale Marine also boasts advanced avionics and sensors, including the AESA RBE2 radar developed by Thales, which enables long-range target detection and multi-target tracking for both aerial and maritime engagements. The SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, developed by Thales and MBDA, provides comprehensive defensive measures, including active jamming, radar detection, and infrared countermeasures, enhancing survivability against modern air defense threats.
This deal aligns with India’s broader strategy to strengthen its maritime strike capabilities in response to China’s increasing military presence in the Indian Ocean. By equipping its carriers with the Rafale M, the Indian Navy will gain a modern, high-performance fighter fleet capable of executing a variety of missions, including air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and anti-ship operations.
The acquisition also strengthens defense cooperation between India and France, which has grown significantly in recent years. In 2016, India ordered 36 Rafale jets for its Air Force, demonstrating confidence in the platform’s operational capabilities. Additionally, India and France have collaborated in the naval domain, particularly with the Scorpène-class submarines, which are locally built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under a partnership with Naval Group.
As part of the agreement, Dassault Aviation is considering setting up a final assembly line in India, supporting future Rafale orders and aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to boost domestic defense manufacturing. If realized, this move could further enhance India’s self-reliance in fighter jet production and support maintenance and upgrades for existing Rafale fleets.
The first Rafale Marine aircraft is expected to be delivered in May 2028, 37 months after the contract is signed. The new fighters will gradually replace the MiG-29K fleet, which has suffered from high maintenance costs and operational limitations.
With this deal, India’s naval aviation enters a new phase, equipping its carriers with a next-generation fighter capable of power projection across the Indian Ocean and beyond. The integration of the Rafale Marine will enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to operate in multi-domain combat environments, ensuring superiority in future maritime operations.
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India and France have concluded negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine carrier-based fighter aircraft, a strategic contract valued at approximately $7.6 billion (€7 billion). According to Indian Defence News, the formal agreement is expected to be signed in April 2025 during a visit to India by the French Minister of Defence. This acquisition represents a significant step in the modernization of the Indian Navy’s air capabilities, replacing the aging MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft currently operated by INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers.” The new aircraft will be deployed on the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean.
The agreement includes the delivery of 22 Rafale Marine single-seat fighters and 4 Rafale B twin-seat aircraft, the latter intended exclusively for advanced pilot training on land before their operational transition to carrier-based operations (Picture source: Dassault)
The agreement includes the delivery of 22 Rafale Marine single-seat fighters and 4 Rafale B twin-seat aircraft, the latter intended exclusively for advanced pilot training on land before their operational transition to carrier-based operations. Unlike the Rafale M, the Rafale B is not designed for carrier landings and takeoffs, but it will serve as a critical component in preparing pilots for carrier-based missions.
Beyond the aircraft, the contract covers a comprehensive weapons package, including the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, which provides an engagement capability beyond 150 km, and the Exocet AM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missile, designed for high-precision, low-altitude strikes against naval targets. Additionally, the package includes performance-based logistics (PBL) support to ensure high availability rates and a training program for both pilots and maintenance crews.
The Rafale Marine was selected over Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet after extensive evaluations. India conducted trials to assess the ability of both aircraft to operate from its STOBAR-configured (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) carriers, with the Rafale M proving more suitable to the Indian Navy’s operational requirements.
Developed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale M is specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations. It features a reinforced airframe, a specialized arrestor hook, and a landing gear system capable of handling the high-impact stresses of carrier landings. The aircraft can land within just 105 meters of deck space and requires 112 meters for catapult-assisted takeoff. These characteristics ensure compatibility with India’s carrier deck configurations.
The Rafale Marine also boasts advanced avionics and sensors, including the AESA RBE2 radar developed by Thales, which enables long-range target detection and multi-target tracking for both aerial and maritime engagements. The SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, developed by Thales and MBDA, provides comprehensive defensive measures, including active jamming, radar detection, and infrared countermeasures, enhancing survivability against modern air defense threats.
This deal aligns with India’s broader strategy to strengthen its maritime strike capabilities in response to China’s increasing military presence in the Indian Ocean. By equipping its carriers with the Rafale M, the Indian Navy will gain a modern, high-performance fighter fleet capable of executing a variety of missions, including air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and anti-ship operations.
The acquisition also strengthens defense cooperation between India and France, which has grown significantly in recent years. In 2016, India ordered 36 Rafale jets for its Air Force, demonstrating confidence in the platform’s operational capabilities. Additionally, India and France have collaborated in the naval domain, particularly with the Scorpène-class submarines, which are locally built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under a partnership with Naval Group.
As part of the agreement, Dassault Aviation is considering setting up a final assembly line in India, supporting future Rafale orders and aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to boost domestic defense manufacturing. If realized, this move could further enhance India’s self-reliance in fighter jet production and support maintenance and upgrades for existing Rafale fleets.
The first Rafale Marine aircraft is expected to be delivered in May 2028, 37 months after the contract is signed. The new fighters will gradually replace the MiG-29K fleet, which has suffered from high maintenance costs and operational limitations.
With this deal, India’s naval aviation enters a new phase, equipping its carriers with a next-generation fighter capable of power projection across the Indian Ocean and beyond. The integration of the Rafale Marine will enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to operate in multi-domain combat environments, ensuring superiority in future maritime operations.
