The agreement covers 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation, and marks the first time the Rafale Marine will be operated by a navy outside France. “The delivery of these aircraft would be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India,” the Indian defence ministry said, noting the deal is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate revenue for numerous businesses.
This purchase was approved earlier this month by India’s security cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Reuters. The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters, while the navy’s aircraft fleet mainly consists of Russian-made MiG-29 jets.
The selection of the Rafale Marine, announced in July 2023 after an international consultation, reflects the Indian authorities’ satisfaction with the aircraft’s capabilities and their intention to broaden its operational use. Dassault Aviation stated that the deal underscores the importance of the strategic relationship between India and France, as well as the recognition of the Rafale as a vital component of national sovereignty.
The Rafale Marine will provide state-of-the-art capabilities to the Indian Armed Forces, with the Indian Navy set to benefit from the operational experience of the French Navy, which already flies the same aircraft. Along with the 36 Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force, the Rafale Marine will play a key role in ensuring national sovereignty and enhancing India’s position as a major international player.
The acquisition continues Dassault Aviation’s longstanding relationship with India, which dates back to the induction of the Toofany fighter aircraft seven decades ago. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ initiatives, aiming to strengthen its presence in India in service of Indian interests.
“On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to thank the Indian authorities, with whom we have been working for more than 70 years, for their confidence in us and reaffirm our unwavering determination to stand by their side to contribute to India’s expression of its sovereign power, its strategic challenges and its ambitious vision of the future,” said Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
The Indian navy has flagged concerns over China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean over the past decade, highlighting Beijing’s operation of dual-purpose vessels in the region and the establishment of a military base in Djibouti since 2017. This latest acquisition strengthens India’s efforts to modernise its military, reduce reliance on Russian-origin equipment, and expand domestic defence production.
