NEW DELHI — India and France are set to sign a landmark agreement on Monday for the purchase of 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence confirmed. The deal, estimated to be worth approximately ₹63,000 crore (about $7.5 billion), is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities.
Under the agreement, France will deliver 22 single-seater Rafale-M fighter jets along with four twin-seater trainer aircraft. The addition of these jets will enhance the operational strength of India’s naval aviation fleet, with the aircraft designed specifically for deployment from aircraft carriers.
The deal follows approval by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Delivery of the Rafale-M jets is expected to begin between 2028 and 2029, with all aircraft slated to be inducted into the Navy by 2031-32. The jets will be stationed aboard India’s aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant.
Originally, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu was scheduled to visit New Delhi on Sunday to finalize the deal. However, his visit was canceled due to personal reasons. Instead, Lecornu will join the signing ceremony virtually and participate in discussions with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh via video conference.
The formal signing ceremony will take place in New Delhi, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou in attendance. Alongside the main contract, several government-to-business agreements are also expected to be signed between India and France.
In addition to the fighter jets, the deal includes a comprehensive support package covering fleet maintenance, logistics, personnel training, and the domestic manufacturing of components under France’s offset obligations.
India already operates a fleet of Rafale fighter jets with the Indian Air Force, which has strengthened its air combat capabilities in recent years. The Navy’s acquisition of the carrier-compatible Rafale-M variant is expected to further enhance India’s maritime defense posture.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy demonstrated its readiness over the weekend, successfully conducting an anti-ship missile drill. Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Navy also carried out a medium-range surface-to-air missile test from its indigenous guided missile destroyer, INS Surat, in the Arabian Sea. These exercises underscore India’s ongoing efforts to maintain a robust defense posture amid regional security challenges. (Source: IANS)
