New Delhi: India and France have officially signed an intergovernmental agreement for the procurement of 26 naval variants of the Rafale fighter jet, valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore.
The landmark deal, aimed at enhancing the Indian Navy’s capabilities, was finalized during a virtual ceremony on Monday, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance.
The purchase of the Rafale Marine jets from French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s air power. The jets are slated for deployment aboard India’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, adding cutting-edge capabilities to the country’s naval operations.
The agreement comes just three weeks after India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the procurement.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS
India & France sign a mega ₹63,000 crore deal to BUY 26 Rafale-M aircraft for the Indian Navy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XPxXi1TU4A
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 28, 2025
The move is seen as a step toward modernizing the Indian Navy’s fleet and improving defense preparedness in the Indian Ocean region. According to the terms of the agreement, the delivery of the 26 Rafale jets is expected to begin approximately five years after the contract is signed.
In addition to the jets, the Indian Navy will also receive ancillary equipment, including advanced weapon systems and spare parts from Dassault Aviation.
This procurement follows a thorough evaluation process and approval from the Ministry of Defense, which granted the initial nod to the acquisition in July 2023.
The deal is part of India’s broader efforts to upgrade its military assets, particularly in light of increasing strategic demands in the Indo-Pacific region.
