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Deal Done: India, France Sign ₹63,000 Cr Deal for 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets, Biggest-Ever Defence Deal

Biggest Indo-French Defence Agreement to Date; Jets to Be Deployed on INS Vikrant
Indian Masterminds Stories

India and France have finalized a landmark defence agreement worth approximately ₹63,000 crore for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft. The deal, signed in New Delhi on Monday, marks India’s largest-ever weapons procurement from France.

Official Signing and Details of the Deal

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, an IAS officer of 1989-batch from the Kerala cadre, signed the agreement on behalf of the Indian government. The deal includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale-M (Marine) jets. These aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, including nuclear strike potential.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the procurement on April 23, shortly after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Delivery Timeline and Deployment

Deliveries of the jets are expected to begin in 2028-29, with all aircraft scheduled to be inducted by 2031-32. The Rafale-Ms will be deployed aboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Advanced Capabilities and Strategic Importance

Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-M jets have been customized to meet Indian Navy requirements. Key features include

  • Capability for anti-ship strikes
  • Nuclear weapons delivery
  • Extended 10-hour flight endurance
  • Compatibility with mid-air refueling
  • Enhanced radar systems to detect submarines

The jets can reach speeds up to 2,205 km/h, heights of 52,000 feet, and can perform attacks over a range of 3,700 km. They are also fitted with 30 mm auto-cannons, 14 hardpoints, and can operate from confined landing zones – essential for aircraft carriers.

Strengthening Naval Air Power

The Rafale-Ms will replace aging MiG-29K fighters currently deployed on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. With better sensors, radar, and weapons capacity, the Rafale-Ms promise to significantly enhance India’s maritime strike capabilities.

Why Rafale-M Over Other Competitors?

The Indian Navy initially considered acquiring 57 naval fighter jets and had evaluated both the Rafale-M and the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. However, only France responded positively to India’s extension request for the bid in 2022. The choice of Rafale-M also simplifies logistics, as the Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafales procured under a 2016 agreement worth ₹58,000 crore.

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

This mega defence deal not only boosts the Indian Navy’s preparedness but also reinforces India-France strategic ties, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernize its military and reduce dependency on outdated Soviet-era platforms.


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