On April 28, 2025, India and France signed a comprehensive arms agreement providing for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. The contract, valued at approximately $7,4 billion, marks another milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries and underscores India's ambitions to significantly expand its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
The agreement was officially signed in the presence of Indian Defense Secretary Raj Kumar Singh, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier, and French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou. In a statement, Trappier emphasized the long tradition of cooperation between India and Dassault Aviation, dating back over seven decades. He spoke of an "unwavering determination" to support India in pursuing its sovereign interests.
The order includes 22 single-seat Rafale M jets and four twin-seat training aircraft. However, the latter are not intended for use on aircraft carriers. Original plans for a carrier-capable twin-seat version, known as the Rafale N or Rafale BM, were abandoned early due to technical and economic challenges. The twin-seaters will therefore be used exclusively for land-based training tasks.
Deployment on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant
The new Rafale-M fighter jets will be stationed on INS Vikrant, India's first homegrown aircraft carrier, which entered service in 2022. The carrier features a ski-jump ramp that allows aircraft to launch without a catapult system. During the evaluation phase, the Rafale-M prevailed over Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, particularly after successful ski-jump tests, which confirmed the aircraft's suitability for use on INS Vikrant.
With this acquisition, India is not only increasing its naval capabilities but also underpinning its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean. Given growing tensions in the region, particularly due to China's increasing maritime activities, the expansion of its own carrier fleet represents a clear signal of strength.
State-of-the-art armament and support package
The delivery includes not only the aircraft themselves, but also a selection of state-of-the-art weapons systems. These include Meteor air-to-air missiles, which are class-leading and have a range of more than 150 kilometers. Also included are Exocet anti-ship missiles, which were specifically developed for attacking ships and have already proven themselves in service worldwide.
Furthermore, the agreement includes a comprehensive maintenance and training package. It ensures that the Indian Navy not only receives state-of-the-art technology but also develops the necessary expertise to maintain flight operations efficiently and independently. This approach is in line with the trend in modern defense projects, where technological sovereignty is becoming increasingly important.
First export order for the Rafale M
With this contract, India becomes the first foreign user of the Rafale M, the naval version of the French-developed multi-role fighter aircraft. The Rafale M was originally designed for the French Navy and has been in active service since 2004. The last Rafale M jet for the French Navy was delivered in 2017, so the current order also marks a resumption of production.
The first Rafale M for India is scheduled to be delivered within four years of contract signing. Full entry into service of all aircraft is targeted for 2031.
Continuation of French-Indian arms cooperation
The Rafale-M deal is likely just the beginning of a series of future collaborations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly seeking to acquire an additional 40 standard-model Rafale fighter jets, which would increase the existing fleet of 36 aircraft to a total of 76. These jets were originally delivered under a 2016 contract and have proven their worth in various exercises and operations.
At the same time, Dassault Aviation is also applying for the Indian MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) program. This program envisages the procurement of 114 additional multi-role fighter aircraft to replace the aging MiG-21 and MiG-27 fleet and comprehensively modernize the air force.
Strategic dimensions and geopolitical significance
The decision to purchase the Rafale M is not only technically significant, but also geopolitically significant. India is strengthening its maritime capabilities at a time when control of the Indian Ocean sea lanes is increasingly becoming a strategic battleground. The presence of capable carrier battle groups allows India to respond more quickly to regional developments and represent its interests across a broad geographical area.
For France, the agreement strengthens its position as a reliable partner of India in the defense sector. Paris is pursuing an independent security policy agenda in Asia, including closer partnerships with countries like India, to assert its role as a global player.
Looking to the future
With the order for the Rafale M and the associated investments in infrastructure, training, and technology, India is laying the foundation for an even more capable naval aviation force. Experts expect that the acquisition of new fighter aircraft will also require additional logistical support, as well as new ships and bases.
Furthermore, the agreement could also promote technological transfer and the participation of Indian industry in future projects – an approach already pursued in previous defense deals. The ultimate success of these efforts will likely remain to be seen in the coming years.
However, one thing is already certain: India is consistently committed to strengthening its maritime capabilities in order to be able to confidently meet the growing security challenges in the Indian Ocean.
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