As part of its naval aviation modernization efforts and with the goal of replacing its currently operating MiG-29Ks, India signed a contract on April 28 with French company Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M fighter jets.
The agreement, finalized following an Intergovernmental Agreement between New Delhi and Paris, was signed in the presence of Dassault Aviation’s Chairman and CEO, Éric Trappier. According to previously released information, the deal includes 22 single-seat aircraft and 4 twin-seat variants, all intended for deployment with the Carrier Air Wings (CVW) of the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers.
This marks the first export of the carrier-based version of the Rafale, currently operated exclusively by the French Navy aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Commenting on the deal, Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier stated, “The acquisition of the Rafale Marine confirms the Indian authorities’ satisfaction with the aircraft’s capabilities and their intent to expand its operational use.”
The selection of the Rafale M was officially confirmed in July 2023 after a technical evaluation that also considered Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet. Although the contract was initially expected to be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris in March, the announcement was delayed to finalize remaining details.
The deal also includes a weapons package comprising air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions, notably the BVR MBDA Meteor missile and MBDA Exocet anti-ship missiles, along with logistical and maintenance support. The total value of the operation is estimated at approximately $7.6 billion.
The induction of the Rafale M is also intended as a stopgap measure while India continues the development of its indigenous carrier-based fighter under the TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter) program, whose prototype is expected in the coming years.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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