In a landmark decision that could reshape the regional balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian government has approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets from France. This move is a clear signal of New Delhi’s intent to counter China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean and secure its maritime interests through superior carrier-based airpower.
Valued at approximately US$7.6 billion (RM33.4 billion), the deal includes a robust suite of precision-guided weapons, training systems, maintenance support, and spare parts. Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agreement is expected to be formally signed during the upcoming visit of French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, underscoring France’s growing role in India’s strategic defense planning.
The procurement package comprises 22 Rafale-M single-seat fighters, which will operate from India’s two aircraft carriers—INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya—and four twin-seat Rafale-B variants that will remain shore-based for training purposes. While the Rafale-B lacks carrier capability, it provides a vital transitional bridge for pilots shifting to the new French-built platform.
Deliveries are expected to begin 37 months after contract signing and continue through 65 months, aligning with the Indian Navy’s timeline for fleet modernization and the gradual phasing out of older platforms.
The introduction of the Rafale-M will mark the end of the Indian Navy’s reliance on the MiG-29K/KUB, which has faced numerous challenges. India originally procured 45 of these Russian aircraft in two tranches (2004 and 2010), but persistent serviceability issues, delays in spare part supply, and reliability problems have plagued the fleet. The new Rafales are expected to dramatically improve operational readiness and effectiveness.
Indian Navy fighter squadrons INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers” have operated the MiG-29Ks for over a decade, playing a key role in India’s carrier operations. However, their performance under India’s demanding maritime conditions has been inconsistent, prompting this strategic overhaul.
In line with its “Make in India” defense policy, New Delhi is reportedly in talks with Dassault Aviation to establish a final assembly line in India. This would not only support future Rafale orders but also enhance domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities. Current procurement policy mandates 60% local production for defense acquisitions, and this collaboration could serve as a model for future contracts.
This deal also includes a modernization package for the 36 Rafale fighters already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), which were procured under a $8.7 billion agreement in 2016. That earlier contract marked India’s shift back to Western aircraft after decades of reliance on Russian platforms.
The IAF’s Rafales have already proven their mettle in high-altitude operations along India’s northern borders, enhancing deterrence and giving India a technological edge.
With this order, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale backlog grows to 256 aircraft—190 for export clients such as India, Egypt, the UAE, and Indonesia, and 56 for the French Air and Space Force. At a production rate of three aircraft per month, Dassault will need close to seven years to clear its current order book.
The Rafale’s increasing popularity is driven by its versatility, NATO compatibility, and combat-tested reliability. France has deployed Rafale-M fighters aboard its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in missions across the Middle East and Mediterranean, reinforcing its credentials as a world-class carrier-based fighter.
The Indian Navy’s Rafale-Ms will be customized for maritime operations in India’s littoral and blue-water theaters.
- New-generation Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for enhanced situational awareness
- Advanced software for air-to-sea targeting
- Structural modifications for intensive carrier operations
- Enhanced electromagnetic shielding for better electronic warfare (EW) resilience
- Next-gen radar altimeter and high-frequency countermeasure decoys
These improvements are critical for operating in contested and electromagnetically dense naval environments.
Rafale-M
The Rafale-M brings a suite of cutting-edge features, including the Thales RBE2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, SPECTRA EW suite, and advanced data-link systems. It supports a diverse weapons loadout across 14 hardpoints:
- Air-to-air: MBDA MICA and Meteor BVR missiles
- Air-to-ground: SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer PGMs
- Anti-ship: AM39 Exocet missile, with future compatibility for torpedoes
- Internal: GIAT 30mm cannon
Its dual Snecma M88-2 turbofan engines allow speeds up to Mach 1.8 and a combat radius of approximately 1,850 km—well-suited for expansive naval patrols.
Rafale-M successfully completed compatibility trials aboard INS Vikrant in early 2023, validating its suitability for Indian carrier decks. Its ruggedized landing gear, reinforced tail hook, and corrosion-resistant structure make it ideal for maritime conditions.
Designed for night-time, all-weather operations, it can conduct air superiority, strike, fleet defense, and SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions—all essential for modern naval warfare.
The Rafale-M deal marks a deepening of Indo-French defense ties, building on their expanding naval collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. France remains one of the few Western nations with a permanent military presence in the region, and its alignment with India’s strategic objectives is steadily strengthening.
Beyond defense procurement, joint exercises like “Varuna,” co-development programs, and space-security cooperation reflect this evolving partnership.
The clearance of the Rafale-M deal represents a pivotal moment in India’s military modernization. With tensions simmering in the Indo-Pacific and Chinese naval activity surging, India’s push to enhance carrier-based airpower is both timely and strategic.
Replacing aging MiGs with battle-proven Rafales is not just about operational capability—it’s about asserting India’s status as a regional security provider. By anchoring its maritime deterrent on a modern, interoperable, and combat-ready platform, New Delhi is making a bold statement: it is ready to defend its interests, project power, and shape outcomes in the Indo-Pacific.
