New Delhi, April 28 — India and France on Monday signed an inter-governmental agreement to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy at a cost of about Rs 64,000 crore.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the delivery of the aircraft would be completed by 2030.
“The Governments of India and France have signed an agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft, including 22 single-seater and four twin-seater variants, for the Indian Navy,” the ministry said in a statement.
The agreement, sealed at a virtual ceremony, was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu.
Signed copies of the contract, the aircraft package supply protocol, and the weapons package supply protocol were exchanged by senior Indian and French officials in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The pact includes comprehensive training, simulators, associated equipment, and a performance-based logistics support system. It also covers weapons and additional equipment to bolster the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
As part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the agreement involves technology transfer for integrating indigenous weapons into the Rafale-Marine. It further provides for the establishment of production facilities for fuselage manufacturing, along with maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centers for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapon systems within India.
“The deal is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate substantial revenue for a large number of MSMEs involved in setting up, production, and running of these facilities,” the MoD said.
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-based, combat-ready fighter designed for maritime operations.
The ministry noted that the Rafale-Marine shares considerable commonality with the Rafale jets currently operated by the IAF, a factor expected to enhance joint operational capabilities while optimizing training and logistics.
The addition of the Rafale-Marine fleet is set to serve as a potent force multiplier for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, significantly boosting India’s air power at sea.
