India, France sign deal for 26 Rafale-M jets for Navy

April 28, 2025 — In a significant step towards bolstering maritime security and naval air power, India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale M) fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. The agreement, signed between the two governments, paves the way for formalizing a multi-billion-dollar defence deal aimed at equipping the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers — INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya — with state-of-the-art 4.5-generation fighter jets capable of operating in demanding carrier-borne environments.

According to defence officials, the proposed acquisition includes 22 single-seat Rafale-M fighters and 4 twin-seat trainer variants, which will replace the Navy’s aging fleet of MiG-29K jets. The Rafale M is specially designed for carrier operations, capable of withstanding harsh maritime conditions and executing ski-jump takeoffs as required by Indian aircraft carriers.

In line with the Government’s thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes Transfer of Technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India. It also includes setting up of production facility for Rafale Fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India. The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and revenue for a large number of MSMEs in setting up, production and running of these facilities.

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