New Delhi, April 28: India and France on Monday signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy, marking a significant boost to India’s maritime air power.
Defence Spokesperson said the deal covers 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale aircraft, along with training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics support. It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The IGA was signed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu.
The signed copies of the agreement, along with the aircraft and weapons package supply protocols, were exchanged by Indian and French officials in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.
In line with the Government’s emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes provisions for Transfer of Technology (ToT) for integration of indigenous weapons. It also envisions setting up production facilities for Rafale fuselages and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centres for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons within India. The move is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant revenue for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne fighter aircraft, proven in maritime operational environments. Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2030, with crew training scheduled both in France and India.
Sharing commonality with the Rafale jets operated by the IAF, the induction of Rafale-Marine aircraft is expected to enhance joint operational capability, streamline logistics and training processes, and serve as a potent force multiplier for India’s aircraft carriers, strengthening the country’s maritime security.
