India's defense modernization has acquired major growth with the Indian Navy acquiring 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. This strategic move, under a 7.5–7.6 billion dollar contract inked on April 28, 2025, in Saint-Cloud, France, deepens India-France defense ties and highlights India's commitment to boosting its naval aviation capabilities.
The deal includes 22 Rafale Marine single-seat fighters, 4 Rafale B twin-seat trainers, complete weapons packages like Meteor missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles, and support for national integration of Astra Mk1 and Rudram missiles, backed with India's 'Make in India' scheme. Local manufacturing of components is also planned, reinforcing India's push for defense self-reliance.
Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, witnessed the signing and expressed the importance of Indo-French cooperation. The Rafale Marine was established over Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet after rigorous trials at INS Hansa, Goa. These aircraft will succeed the aging MiG-29K fleet aboard INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, addressing long-standing functionality and maintenance issues.
Deliveries will begin by May 2028, with temporary training using French Navy Rafale Ms. Modifications for carrier compatibility, including folding wingtips for INS Vikrant elevators, are underway. “The acquisition package includes the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, capable of engaging targets beyond 150 kilometers, and the Exocet AM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missile, designed for maritime strikes."
Dassault Aviation, meanwhile, is scaling production capacity and exploring an assembly line in India. Alongside, India plans to add three more Scorpène-class submarines under Project 75, reinforcing naval capabilities. This Rafale Marine deal positions India for enhanced carrier operations while its indigenous TEDBF project progresses toward 2031.
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