“Dassault and India Forge Groundbreaking Rafale Marine Deal: Ushering in a New Chapter for Naval Aviation”
The Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France has been executed today permitting the endorsement, in the presence of the Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, of the contract for India’s procurement of 26 Rafale Marine to enhance the Indian Navy.
This agreement follows the declaration in July 2023 regarding the selection of the Rafale Marine, which marks the Indian Navy as the inaugural user outside France, after a global consultation. It underscores the satisfaction of Indian authorities with the aircraft’s features and their intention to expand the range of its operational deployment.
This new acquisition represents the significance of the strategic partnership between India and France and acknowledges the Rafale as a critical asset for national sovereignty.
It honors Dassault Aviation’s dedication to catering to the operational requirements of the Indian Forces since the introduction of the Toofany seven decades ago, and its resolve, through its substantial input to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the ‘Skill India’ program, to ensure its success in serving Indian interests.
The Rafale Marine will equip the Indian Armed Forces with cutting-edge capabilities, and the Indian Navy will benefit from the expertise of the French Navy, which is already utilizing this aircraft. Along with the 36 Rafale currently operational with the Indian Air Force, the Rafale Marine will actively contribute to safeguarding national sovereignty and reinforcing India’s stature as a predominant global actor.
“On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its collaborators, I would like to express our gratitude to the Indian authorities, with whom we have collaborated for over 70 years, for their trust in us and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to support their efforts in asserting India’s sovereign power, addressing strategic challenges, and realizing their ambitious future vision,” stated Éric Trappier.
