India and France have concluded negotiations for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft in a deal valued at approximately USD 7.6 billion. The official contract is expected to be signed in April 2025 during the visit of the French Defence Minister to India.
This procurement represents a major upgrade for the Indian Navy, as the Rafale-M will replace the ageing MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighter jets currently in service with the Navy’s INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers” squadrons. The new aircraft will operate from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
The order consists of 22 Rafale-M carrier-based fighters and four Rafale B dual-seat trainers. While the Rafale-M will be deployed for carrier operations, the Rafale B trainers, which are not carrier-compatible, will be used for land-based training.
This acquisition is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its maritime strike capabilities amid increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The deal also includes the procurement of advanced weaponry such as Meteor air-to-air missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles, as well as performance-based logistics support and crew training programs.
Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, is reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a final assembly line in India to support future orders and align with the country’s “Make in India” initiative.
This agreement further strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France, which has been reinforced by past defense collaborations, including the delivery of 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force under a 2016 contract.
The first Rafale-M aircraft is expected to be delivered within 37 months of contract signing, with deliveries commencing by May 2028.