New Delhi: In a major push to bolster India’s maritime strike capability, the Indian government has approved a landmark deal with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. Valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore, the mega defence pact is expected to be signed in the coming weeks, marking a new chapter in the India-France strategic partnership.
According to official sources, the Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale Marine jets designed specifically for carrier-based operations. The aircraft will be deployed onboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the existing carrier INS Vikramaditya, significantly enhancing India’s air power projection at sea.
Strengthening Naval Air Arm
The Rafale Marine jets are a naval variant of the Rafale fighters already in service with the Indian Air Force. Equipped with advanced radar systems, long-range missiles, and precision strike capabilities, the Marine variant is tailored for operations in demanding maritime environments.
Speaking on the development, a senior Indian Navy official said,
> “This acquisition is a strategic necessity. The Rafale Marine offers unmatched capability in the carrier-borne fighter class. Its deployment will be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy.”
Currently, the Indian Navy operates a limited fleet of MiG-29K fighters, which have faced operational challenges and are nearing the end of their lifecycle. The induction of Rafale Marine jets is seen as a crucial step toward modernizing naval aviation and ensuring dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
France: Trusted Strategic Partner
This deal further cements the growing defence relationship between India and France, coming close on the heels of previous Rafale purchases for the Indian Air Force. It reflects India’s deepening strategic alignment with key global partners in response to changing regional security dynamics.
Defence expert Lt Gen (Retd) DS Hooda said,
> “France has emerged as one of India’s most reliable defence partners. The acquisition of Rafale Marine not only strengthens naval capability but also signals continuity in Indo-French defence cooperation.”
India and France have also been collaborating on several other fronts including joint naval exercises, submarine projects, and co-development of critical defence technologies. The Rafale Marine deal is expected to include a significant component of support infrastructure, training, simulators, and spares, along with a potential offset clause to benefit Indian industry.
Quick Timeline Expected
Government sources indicate that formal signing of the deal may take place during a high-level visit or bilateral engagement between the two nations later this year. The first batch of aircraft is expected to be delivered within three years of contract finalization, with training and infrastructure development running in parallel.
Commenting on the timeline, a senior official from the Ministry of Defence said,
> “The procurement process has been fast-tracked considering the Navy’s operational requirements. We expect deliveries to begin within 36 months of signing.”
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had earlier cleared the proposal, reflecting the political and strategic urgency behind the acquisition.
Enhancing Power in Indo-Pacific
The strategic implications of the deal extend beyond hardware. With tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific and growing Chinese assertiveness in the region, the Rafale Marine is expected to serve as a deterrent and reinforce India's commitment to maintaining a free and open sea space.
Naval analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra noted,
> “Aircraft carriers are only as good as the air wings they operate. The Rafale Marine transforms India’s carriers from platforms of presence to platforms of power. This is a tectonic shift in the Indian Navy’s capability.”
Public and Political Reaction
The Rafale Marine deal is already drawing attention in the defence and political circles, especially in light of past controversies surrounding defence procurements. However, early responses indicate broader bipartisan support given the Navy’s urgent requirements and the proven performance of the Rafale platform.
As India prepares to take a larger role in Indo-Pacific security, the acquisition of the Rafale Marine jets underscores its intent to maintain maritime superiority and operational .
[Report by Amit Deshmuk]
