India and France shake on contract for 26 Rafale naval fighters, said to cost $7.5B
India initially selected the Rafale Marine in 2023 to replace aging Russian MiG-29 jets, and will be the first export user of the type.
A French Rafale fighter jet lands in Koror, Palau (US Air Force)
BELFAST — India has finalized a multi-billion-dollar contract with France for the acquisition of 26 Dassault-made Rafale Marine fighter jets and a wider package covering weapons, simulators and training.
The inter-government agreement concluding the carrier-capable aircraft deal for the Indian Navy — split between 22 single seat and four twin seat jets — was signed in New Delhi today according to an Indian Ministry of Defense statement.
The Indian MoD noted that part of the agreement covers “transfer of technology” to support integration of “indigenous weapons,” alongside approval for setting up local Rafale fuselage production and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities. The future MRO premises will be devoted to the care of aircraft engines, sensors and weapons.
The statement did not disclose a contract value, but a figure of $7.5 billion was widely reported after India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved the acquisition earlier this month.
Aircraft deliveries “would be completed by 2030,” added the Indian MoD, adding that crew training will take place in both France and India.
“Rafale-Marine has commonality with the Rafale being operated by IAF [the Indian Air Force],” it added. “Its procurement will substantially enhance joint operational capability, besides optimising training and logistics for the aircraft for both Indian Navy and IAF. The induction would lead to the addition of a potent force multiplier to the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, substantially boosting the nation’s air power at sea.”
India initially selected the Rafale Marine in 2023 to replace aging Russian MiG-29 jets, and Delhi will be the first export user of the type. The new navy fleet adds to 36 Rafale’s in service with the IAF.
In a supporting statement Dassault said that the new contract signature “confirms the Indian authorities’ satisfaction with the aircraft’s capabilities and their desire to broaden the spectrum of its operational use,” while stressing that the procurement “testifies to the importance of the strategic relationship between India and France and the recognition of the Rafale as an essential vector of national sovereignty.”
The Indian contract also builds off several export orders secured by Dassault in 2024, including Indonesia (18 aircraft) and Serbia (12 aircraft). In 2021, the UAE also signed an extraordinary $19 billion contract for 80 aircraft.
Based on full year results, the manufacturer delivered 21 of the twin engine combat jets last year, bettering a target of 20 units. Company guidance [PDF] indicates that production for 2025 will ramp up to hit a target of 25 aircraft.
At a broader program level, France and Dassault are focused on strengthening Rafale’s future capabilities through development of the F5 standard and an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) to accompany the jet, as a collaborative aircraft platform, beyond 2030.
