India and France have successfully concluded negotiations for the procurement of 26 Rafale M fighter jets in a deal worth $7.6 billion. The official agreement is expected to be signed in April 2025 during the French Defence Minister’s visit to India.
The Indian Navy plans to replace its aging MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft, currently operated by the INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers” squadrons, with the new Rafale M fighters. These aircraft will be deployed aboard India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
While the exact breakdown of the order remains unconfirmed, reports indicate that India will receive 22 Rafale M carrier-based fighters and four Rafale B twin-seat trainers. Since the Rafale B is not designed for carrier operations, it will likely be used for land-based training. Earlier reports suggested that all 26 aircraft could be of the Rafale M variant, with pilot training conducted in France and at INS Hansa in Goa using advanced simulators. However, final details on training and aircraft configurations are still pending official confirmation.
Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation, the Rafale’s manufacturer, is evaluating the possibility of setting up a final assembly line in India. This move would support future orders and align with the “Make in India” initiative aimed at boosting domestic defense production.
India had previously purchased 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force under a 2016 agreement, with deliveries completed by 2022. Additional fighter jet acquisitions for the Air Force remain under consideration as part of India’s broader military modernization plans.
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