India has taken a major step in strengthening its naval capabilities by signing a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft.
The agreement was formalised on Monday at the Defence Ministry headquarters located in South Block, New Delhi.
Officials from both sides, including Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the French Ambassador to India, participated in the ceremony. Defence Ministers from India and France also attended the signing virtually.
This deal follows the approval given earlier this month by the Cabinet Committee on Security. It reflects India's urgent need to enhance the strength of its naval air fleet.
Currently, the Indian Navy operates MiG-29K fighter jets, but these aircraft have faced significant issues related to maintenance and performance. The new Rafale Marine jets are expected to fill this gap, providing a much-needed boost in capability.
The Rafale Marine fighters are set to be deployed primarily on the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, which has recently been commissioned into service. The acquisition includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater variants.
These aircraft have been specially customised to meet Indian operational requirements and to ensure seamless integration with naval carriers.
This government-to-government contract goes beyond just the purchase of aircraft. It also covers maintenance support, logistics, pilot and crew training, and a commitment to manufacture certain components locally in India.
This is expected to not only enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Navy but also strengthen the country's defence manufacturing sector.
The Rafale M jets will work alongside the existing MiG-29K fighters, providing a stronger and more reliable air wing for carrier operations. This move comes as India continues to work on developing its own indigenous carrier-borne fighter aircraft, which is still some years away from being fully operational.
The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets, which were inducted following a separate agreement signed with France in 2016. These aircraft are based at the Ambala and Hasimara air bases.
With the addition of the 26 new Rafale Marine jets, India’s total Rafale fleet will increase to 62, giving the country one of the largest fleets of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft in the region.
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