In a major defense acquisition, India signed a deal with France on Monday to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh signed the agreement on behalf of India. The deal, valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore, marks India’s largest defense procurement from France to date.
Under the agreement, India will acquire 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale Marine aircraft, all capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The aircraft will also come with weapon systems, spare parts, and necessary equipment to support operations.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the purchase on April 23, shortly after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
According to reports, deliveries will begin in 2028–29, with the entire fleet expected to arrive by 2031–32. The Rafale Marine jets will be deployed on India’s indigenously-built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Manufacturer Dassault Aviation has customized the jets to meet India’s specific operational requirements, including enhanced anti-ship strike capabilities, nuclear weapons delivery, and extended 10-hour flight recording.
Why the Rafale Marine is Crucial for the Indian Navy
Design and Capabilities
The Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) is specially designed for aircraft carrier operations. It measures 50.1 feet in length and weighs approximately 15,000 kg. With a fuel capacity of 11,202 kg, it can sustain longer missions and reach a maximum altitude of 52,000 feet. The jet’s folding wings are robust, enabling efficient storage on carriers, and it can achieve speeds of up to 2,205 km/h.
Key Features
- Rapid Climb: The Rafale-M can ascend to 18,000 meters in just one minute.
- Superior Range: It has an operational strike range of up to 3,700 km.
- Armament: Equipped with a 30 mm auto-cannon and 14 hardpoints for weapons.
- Landing Capability: Capable of landing on short and limited spaces like aircraft carriers.
- Missile Systems: It can be fitted with powerful anti-ship missiles, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks.
- Specialized Radar: Includes advanced radar for detecting submarines.
- Mid-Air Refueling: Enhances its range and operational endurance.
Compared to Pakistan’s F-16 and China’s J-20 fighters, the Rafale-M offers significant advantages in speed, climb rate, radar capabilities, and combat versatility.
Strengthening India’s Naval Power
Currently, the Indian Navy operates MiG-29K fighter jets from its aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. However, the aging MiG fleet faces maintenance challenges and limited availability. The induction of Rafale-M jets will significantly bolster India’s maritime strike capabilities, enhancing dominance across sea, land, and air domains.
Why India Chose Rafale Marine
Initially, the Navy planned to procure 57 deck-based fighter jets and conducted trials of France’s Rafale Marine and America’s Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet in Goa. By 2022, India had requested extensions from both nations. France’s agreement to extend the proposal timeline, while the U.S. did not, played a crucial role in India’s decision.
Rafale Marine’s advanced radar technology, superior weapon-carrying capability, and better sensors make it a natural replacement for the MiG-29K. Moreover, the Indian Air Force’s existing familiarity with Rafale aircraft will ease training and maintenance efforts for the Navy.
Beyond defense, the deal also reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and France, reaffirming cooperation in aerospace, security, and technology