Paris (TDI): India has signed a deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy, valued at 630 billion rupees ($7.4 billion), according to the Indian Defense Ministry. The agreement includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft, which France’s Dassault Aviation will supply.
Earlier this month, India’s security cabinet greenlighted a significant defense deal, marking a pivotal step in its quest to modernize its military capabilities.
The agreement involves the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, which are slated to be delivered by 2030. These aircraft are set to replace the aging fleet currently utilized by the Indian Navy.
In addition to this development, the ministry highlighted that the training for the crews will take place in both France and India, ensuring that the pilots are well-prepared to operate these formidable machines.
This purchase builds on India’s defense relationship with France, which has been a key supplier of military equipment, including Mirage 2000 jets and Scorpene-class submarines.
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India currently operates 36 Rafale jets in the Air Force, following a separate deal signed in 2016. The addition of these jets to the naval fleet is aimed at enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities.
India currently operates 36 Rafale jets in the Air Force, following a separate deal signed in 2016 for 36 jets worth approximately $8.8 billion.
This earlier deal aimed to enhance the Air Force’s capability, and the acquisition of Rafale jets for the Navy marks the continuation of this procurement.
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The fighter fleet is set to be stationed on the INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier.
The Indian Defense Ministry also pointed out that the deal is expected to create jobs and generate revenue for businesses in India, although specific details on the scale of these benefits were not provided.
The naval fighter deal has been a key part of discussions between the two sides since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in 2023.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
