Indian Navy News – In a significant boost to India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Governments of India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on April 28, 2025, for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy.
| Event | Date | Location | Key Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafale-Marine Agreement | Apr 28, 2025 | Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi | IGA for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft; includes ToT and MRO facilities. | Boosts Navy's air power; promotes 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and jobs. |
The deal, comprising
- 22 single-seater and
- four twin-seater jets, also includes
- training, simulators,
- associated equipment,
- weapons, and
- Performance-Based Logistics, alongside
- additional equipment to support the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) existing Rafale fleet.
The agreement was formalized by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Mr. Sebastien Lecornu at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi. In the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Indian and French officials exchanged signed copies of the IGA, aircraft package supply protocol, and weapons package supply protocol.
 |
| Image for Representative Purposes only, India and France Sign Landmark Agreement for 26 Rafale-Marine Aircraft |
Aligned with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the deal incorporates significant Transfer of Technology (ToT) provisions. These include the integration of indigenous weapons, the establishment of a Rafale fuselage production facility, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons in India. This is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate substantial revenue for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in setting up and operating these facilities.
Manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a combat-ready, carrier-borne aircraft designed for maritime operations, with proven capabilities in challenging environments. The delivery of the 26 aircraft is slated for completion by 2030, with Indian Navy crew undergoing training in both France and India.
The Rafale-Marine shares significant commonality with the Rafale jets operated by the IAF, enabling enhanced joint operational capabilities and optimized training and logistics for both services. The induction of these aircraft will serve as a potent force multiplier for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, significantly strengthening India’s air power at sea and reinforcing its maritime security posture.
This landmark agreement underscores the deepening defence partnership between India and France, while advancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and bolstering its strategic capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
