In a landmark move to strengthen its naval aviation capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Tuesday approved India’s largest-ever fighter jet acquisition, clearing the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft from France for the Indian Navy. Valued at over ₹63,000 crore, the deal will be executed under a government-to-government agreement with France, according to government sources.
The contract includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale Marine jets, along with a comprehensive support package that covers fleet maintenance, logistics, crew training, and offset obligations, including indigenous production components.
Deliveries of the Rafale M (Marine) aircraft are expected to commence approximately five years after the signing of the contract. These advanced 4.5-generation fighters will be deployed aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, significantly enhancing its strike capabilities and complementing the Navy’s existing MiG-29K fleet operating from INS Vikramaditya.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), which already operates 36 Rafale jets from its bases in Ambala and Hashimara, will also benefit from this deal. The agreement is expected to enhance the IAF’s “buddy-buddy” aerial refuelling system, enabling selected Rafale jets to refuel others mid-air, thereby expanding their operational range.
Defence officials also noted that the deal could include ground-based equipment and software upgrades for the IAF’s existing Rafale fleet. For the Navy, carrier-based infrastructure upgrades will be essential to accommodate the Rafale Marine jets.
This strategic acquisition is expected to significantly boost India’s naval air power and maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region. Looking further ahead, the Navy is also preparing for the induction of indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
These future twin-engine deck-based fighters are envisioned as the naval variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) being developed for the IAF by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
