New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s maritime strength, the Governments of India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy. The agreement covers 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale-Marine jets, along with training systems, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics support.
The agreement was signed by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu. The official exchange of signed documents—including the aircraft package supply protocol and weapons package supply protocol—was witnessed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at a ceremony held at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.
In a significant step towards promoting the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes a Transfer of Technology for the integration of indigenous weapons systems in India. It also provides for the establishment of production facilities for Rafale fuselages, as well as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) units for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons within the country. This initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs and create substantial opportunities for India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne combat aircraft known for its proven capabilities in maritime operations. Delivery of the new aircraft is scheduled to be completed by 2030, with crew training to be conducted in both France and India.
The Rafale-Marine shares operational and logistical commonalities with the Rafale jets currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), ensuring synergy between the two forces. The procurement is expected to significantly enhance India’s joint operational capabilities, optimize training and logistics, and add a powerful force multiplier to the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier fleet, strengthening India’s maritime air power.
