In a bold move to reinforce its naval aviation muscle, the Modi government has cleared a ₹64,000-crore proposal to purchase 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets from France. The jets will operate from INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, commissioned in September 2022.
The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes 22 single-seater carrier-capable Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater trainer variants. The trainers are not designed for aircraft carrier operations but are vital for advanced pilot instruction. Deliveries will begin three and a half years after the contract is signed and are expected to conclude by 2031.
The Rafale-M is the naval variant of the 4.5-generation Rafale fighter jet, developed by French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation. It has already proven its combat mettle, capable of carrying a range of weaponry including nuclear-capable missiles. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates two squadrons of Rafale jets—36 aircraft purchased in 2016 for ₹59,000 crore.
Why the Rafale-M?
The Rafale-M edged out a strong rival—the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet—after extensive trials conducted by the Indian Navy. These included the crucial ski-jump test, which simulates short take-offs from Indian aircraft carriers using STOBAR (short take-off but arrested recovery) systems.
The Rafale-M performed exceptionally. Compatibility with the IAF’s existing Rafale fleet tipped the scales in its favour. “Shared airframes, avionics, training simulators, and munitions between IAF and Naval Rafales [will] reduce logistical burden and ensure jointness in operations, allowing cross-service deployment in emergencies,” noted Group Captain MJ Augustine Vinod (Retd), writing for The Eurasian Times.
This procurement is not just about new jets—it’s also about filling the gaps. The Navy’s current fleet of Russian-made MiG-29Ks, deployed on INS Vikramaditya, has been hampered by reliability concerns, frequent maintenance demands, and limited availability. With two carriers in service, India’s naval air wings have struggled to maintain the required force levels.
Beyond the jets: A comprehensive package
The Rafale-M deal includes more than just aircraft. Dassault will supply weapons, spares, maintenance tools, training equipment, and logistic support. A key part of the agreement is the creation of an MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) hub in India and the integration of indigenous Astra missiles.
Upgrades for the IAF's Rafales are also part of the package. Ten aircraft will be modified for “buddy-buddy” refuelling, expanding their operational range. Enhancements will also cover software updates, sensor suites, long-range drop tanks, and advanced ground support systems.
This is India’s second-largest defence aviation purchase after the order for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets worth ₹65,000 crore. It signals New Delhi’s growing confidence in joint government-to-government procurement frameworks—avoiding the pitfalls of complex offset agreements.
Rafales in Action: A proven track record
The Rafale-M has served the French Navy (Aéronavale) since 2000 and became fully operational in 2004. It was first deployed during “Mission Héraclès” in support of operations in Afghanistan and later took part in combat missions against the Islamic State in 2016.
The aircraft has also been tested for full interoperability with the US Navy. In a 2018 exercise called Operation Chesapeake, 12 Rafale-M jets were deployed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, completing extensive qualification exercises.
In January this year, Rafale-Ms joined Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs and Jaguars for joint anti-aircraft drills—another sign of the aircraft's growing role in India’s military posture.
Deeper Indo-French defence ties
France has rapidly emerged as a strategic partner for India in the defence space, especially as traditional supplier Russia reels under sanctions tied to the Ukraine war. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India was the largest buyer of French military hardware from 2020 to 2024, outpacing even Qatar.
The two nations are also collaborating on next-gen technologies. In 2023, India and France announced joint development projects for jet and helicopter engines. Naval cooperation is already robust—with six Scorpène-class submarines built under Project-75 by Mazagon Dock Ltd in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
Their partnership was also on display during Varuna 2024, the 23rd edition of their joint naval exercises in the Arabian Sea. The drills featured advanced air defence manoeuvres, involving Rafale-M and MiG-29K aircraft, and included participation from INS Vikrant, a Kalvari-class submarine, and a French carrier strike group led by Charles de Gaulle.
“These drills strengthened the collective capacity to address contemporary maritime security challenges,” said an Indian Navy spokesperson.
Racing to catch up with China
But even with these strides, India is playing catch-up. China commands the world’s largest navy, boasting over 370 ships, including 140 major surface combatants. The PLA Navy has intensified its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), pushing India to rethink its long-term maritime posture.
India plans to spend ₹2 lakh crore over the next decade to grow its fleet from around 130 warships to 175. The Navy has also received initial approval for 31 new vessels, including seven next-gen frigates and six stealth submarines. Yet, with construction delays and the decommissioning of ageing ships, India’s fleet is only projected to reach around 160 warships by 2030.
Naval aviation is also on the rise. The Navy aims to increase its aircraft strength from 251 to 500, and submarine numbers from 15 to 24. While an indigenous Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is under development, the Rafale-M fills the void until it becomes operational.
At nearly ₹292 crore per jet, the Rafale-M deal has drawn scrutiny for its cost. But its true value lies in the strategic edge it brings.
From high-stakes carrier operations in the Indian Ocean to joint missions along the northern borders, the Rafale-M isn’t just about firepower. It’s about flexibility, deterrence, and interoperability across services.
And it’s a signal—to allies and adversaries alike—that India is ready to fly higher, farther, and together.
The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes 22 single-seater carrier-capable Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater trainer variants. The trainers are not designed for aircraft carrier operations but are vital for advanced pilot instruction. Deliveries will begin three and a half years after the contract is signed and are expected to conclude by 2031.
The Rafale-M is the naval variant of the 4.5-generation Rafale fighter jet, developed by French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation. It has already proven its combat mettle, capable of carrying a range of weaponry including nuclear-capable missiles. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates two squadrons of Rafale jets—36 aircraft purchased in 2016 for ₹59,000 crore.
Why the Rafale-M?
The Rafale-M edged out a strong rival—the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet—after extensive trials conducted by the Indian Navy. These included the crucial ski-jump test, which simulates short take-offs from Indian aircraft carriers using STOBAR (short take-off but arrested recovery) systems.
The Rafale-M performed exceptionally. Compatibility with the IAF’s existing Rafale fleet tipped the scales in its favour. “Shared airframes, avionics, training simulators, and munitions between IAF and Naval Rafales [will] reduce logistical burden and ensure jointness in operations, allowing cross-service deployment in emergencies,” noted Group Captain MJ Augustine Vinod (Retd), writing for The Eurasian Times.
This procurement is not just about new jets—it’s also about filling the gaps. The Navy’s current fleet of Russian-made MiG-29Ks, deployed on INS Vikramaditya, has been hampered by reliability concerns, frequent maintenance demands, and limited availability. With two carriers in service, India’s naval air wings have struggled to maintain the required force levels.
Beyond the jets: A comprehensive package
The Rafale-M deal includes more than just aircraft. Dassault will supply weapons, spares, maintenance tools, training equipment, and logistic support. A key part of the agreement is the creation of an MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) hub in India and the integration of indigenous Astra missiles.
Upgrades for the IAF's Rafales are also part of the package. Ten aircraft will be modified for “buddy-buddy” refuelling, expanding their operational range. Enhancements will also cover software updates, sensor suites, long-range drop tanks, and advanced ground support systems.
This is India’s second-largest defence aviation purchase after the order for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets worth ₹65,000 crore. It signals New Delhi’s growing confidence in joint government-to-government procurement frameworks—avoiding the pitfalls of complex offset agreements.
Rafales in Action: A proven track record
The Rafale-M has served the French Navy (Aéronavale) since 2000 and became fully operational in 2004. It was first deployed during “Mission Héraclès” in support of operations in Afghanistan and later took part in combat missions against the Islamic State in 2016.
The aircraft has also been tested for full interoperability with the US Navy. In a 2018 exercise called Operation Chesapeake, 12 Rafale-M jets were deployed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, completing extensive qualification exercises.
In January this year, Rafale-Ms joined Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs and Jaguars for joint anti-aircraft drills—another sign of the aircraft's growing role in India’s military posture.
Deeper Indo-French defence ties
France has rapidly emerged as a strategic partner for India in the defence space, especially as traditional supplier Russia reels under sanctions tied to the Ukraine war. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India was the largest buyer of French military hardware from 2020 to 2024, outpacing even Qatar.
The two nations are also collaborating on next-gen technologies. In 2023, India and France announced joint development projects for jet and helicopter engines. Naval cooperation is already robust—with six Scorpène-class submarines built under Project-75 by Mazagon Dock Ltd in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
Their partnership was also on display during Varuna 2024, the 23rd edition of their joint naval exercises in the Arabian Sea. The drills featured advanced air defence manoeuvres, involving Rafale-M and MiG-29K aircraft, and included participation from INS Vikrant, a Kalvari-class submarine, and a French carrier strike group led by Charles de Gaulle.
“These drills strengthened the collective capacity to address contemporary maritime security challenges,” said an Indian Navy spokesperson.
Racing to catch up with China
But even with these strides, India is playing catch-up. China commands the world’s largest navy, boasting over 370 ships, including 140 major surface combatants. The PLA Navy has intensified its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), pushing India to rethink its long-term maritime posture.
India plans to spend ₹2 lakh crore over the next decade to grow its fleet from around 130 warships to 175. The Navy has also received initial approval for 31 new vessels, including seven next-gen frigates and six stealth submarines. Yet, with construction delays and the decommissioning of ageing ships, India’s fleet is only projected to reach around 160 warships by 2030.
Naval aviation is also on the rise. The Navy aims to increase its aircraft strength from 251 to 500, and submarine numbers from 15 to 24. While an indigenous Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is under development, the Rafale-M fills the void until it becomes operational.
At nearly ₹292 crore per jet, the Rafale-M deal has drawn scrutiny for its cost. But its true value lies in the strategic edge it brings.
From high-stakes carrier operations in the Indian Ocean to joint missions along the northern borders, the Rafale-M isn’t just about firepower. It’s about flexibility, deterrence, and interoperability across services.
And it’s a signal—to allies and adversaries alike—that India is ready to fly higher, farther, and together.
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