The Indian Navy is set to sign a big deal worth ₹63,000 crore today to buy 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France. These powerful jets will operate from India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, helping the Navy strengthen its power in the Indian Ocean region.

The Rafale-M is known as one of the best fighter jets in the world and is currently only used by the French Navy. The deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seater trainer jets.

Deliveries will start in a few years and are expected to finish by 2031.

The new Rafale-M jets will fly from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, replacing the Navy’s ageing MiG-29K fleet. Although the French Defence Minister was expected to attend, he will not be present. The deal will be signed by India’s Defence Secretary and officials from Dassault Aviation, the French company that makes the Rafale jets. Dassault Aviation is also expected to fit Indian missiles like the Astra on these jets, helping India move towards self-reliance in defence.

This agreement not only boosts India’s military strength but also deepens strategic ties with France, with possibilities for future co-production and technology sharing. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 36 Rafale fighter jets.

India approved its biggest-ever defence deal for 26 Rafale-M jets on April 9, during a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With this new purchase, India’s total number of Rafale jets will increase to 62, giving a major boost to the country's fleet of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft.

 

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