India finalises Rafale deal for Indian Navy

By the end of February 2025, India and France concluded negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale fighter aircraft, a deal valued at USD 7.6 billion.

The formal signing of the agreement is expected in April 2025, coinciding with a visit from the French Defence Minister to India.

The Rafale M will replace the MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB currently operated by the Bharatiya Nau Sena (Indian Navy) under 300 Squadron (INAS 300) White Tigers and 303 Squadron (INAS 303) Black Panthers. The new fighters will operate from the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant (R11) and INS Vikramaditya (R33).

While not yet confirmed, reports suggest that the 26 Rafale aircraft will include 22 Rafale M carrier-based fighters and four Rafale B dual-seat trainers. The dual-seat trainers, not designed for carrier operations, will likely be used for land-based training. Earlier reports, however, indicated that all 26 aircraft would be Rafale M and that Indian Navy pilots would receive training in France and at INS Hansa (Goa) using advanced simulators.

Dassault Aviation is also evaluating the feasibility of establishing a final assembly line in India to meet increased production demands following expected large orders. Dassault’s current order book includes 230 Rafales, comprising 164 for export customers and 56 for the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (AAE, French Air and Space Force).

Under a 2016 contract, the Indian Air Force received 36 Rafales, with deliveries completed by 2022. Further orders for the Air Force are under consideration, and establishing a production line in India would align with the country's "Make in India" initiative.

Credit photo: Jose Damien González (Scramble Archive)