“India and France Forge a $7.6 Billion Agreement to Enhance Their Arsenal with 26 Advanced Rafale M Jets”
India and France have successfully concluded negotiations regarding the procurement of 26 Rafale M combat aircraft within a deal valued at $7.6 billion. The official contract is expected to be completed in April 2025 during the French Defence Minister’s visit to India.
The Indian Navy aims to replace its aging MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft, currently operated by the INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers” squadrons, with the latest Rafale M jets. These fighter planes will be deployed on India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
While the exact allocation of the order remains unconfirmed, sources indicate that India will acquire 22 Rafale M carrier-capable jets and four Rafale B dual-seat trainers. Since the Rafale B is not designed for carrier operations, it will likely be utilized for ground-based training purposes. Earlier reports suggested that all 26 aircraft could belong to the Rafale M category, with pilot training taking place in France and at INS Hansa in Goa utilizing advanced simulators. Nonetheless, definitive information on training and aircraft specifications is pending official validation.
In the meantime, Dassault Aviation, the producer of the Rafale, is investigating the potential establishment of a final assembly line in India. This venture would support upcoming orders and align with the “Make in India” initiative aimed at boosting the nation’s defense production capabilities.
Previously, India had acquired 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force under a 2016 agreement, with all deliveries accomplished by 2022. Additional fighter jet procurements for the Air Force are still being evaluated as part of India’s comprehensive military modernization efforts.
