“Dassault and India Unite for a Revolutionary Rafale Marine Pact: A New Era in Naval Aviation Begins”
The Bilateral Agreement between India and France has been finalized today, enabling the formal endorsement, in the presence of the Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, of the contract for India’s acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine to bolster the Indian Navy.
This accord stems from the announcement in July 2023 concerning the selection of the Rafale Marine, positioning the Indian Navy as the first user outside of France, post a global evaluation. It highlights the contentment of Indian officials with the aircraft’s capabilities and their ambition to broaden the scope of its operational usage.
This fresh procurement signifies the importance of the strategic alliance between India and France and recognizes the Rafale as an essential asset for national integrity.
It honors Dassault Aviation’s commitment to addressing the operational needs of the Indian Forces since the advent of the Toofany seven decades ago, alongside its determination, through its substantial contribution to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the ‘Skill India’ program, to assure its effectiveness in catering to Indian interests.
The Rafale Marine will empower the Indian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art capabilities, and the Indian Navy will gain from the expertise of the French Navy, which is already employing this aircraft. In conjunction with the 36 Rafale currently in service with the Indian Air Force, the Rafale Marine will play a vital role in preserving national integrity and enhancing India’s position as a leading global player.
“On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Indian authorities, with whom we have engaged for over 70 years, for their confidence in us and reaffirm our unwavering dedication to assist their endeavors in asserting India’s sovereign strength, tackling strategic challenges, and actualizing their ambitious future aspirations,” stated Éric Trappier.
