New Delhi, April 28, 2025: Marking a major milestone in strengthening India’s maritime air power, the Governments of India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy.
The agreement, which includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale aircraft along with training systems, simulators, weapons, and associated equipment, was signed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of Armed Forces Mr. Sebastien Lecornu. The signing ceremony took place at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
In addition to enhancing the Indian Navy’s capabilities, the agreement also covers additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) existing Rafale fleet. As part of the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the deal includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) for integration of indigenous weapons, setting up of production facilities for Rafale fuselage, and establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure for engines, sensors, and weapons in India. This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and benefit numerous MSMEs across the country.
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-capable, combat-ready aircraft renowned for its operational success in maritime environments. Delivery of the aircraft is slated for completion by 2030, with crew training to be conducted in both France and India.
The Rafale-Marine’s operational commonality with the IAF’s Rafale fleet will boost joint operational efficiency, optimize training, and streamline logistics, providing a significant force multiplier to the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers and enhancing India’s overall maritime air dominance.
