India has officially signed a deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy, the country’s defence ministry confirmed on Monday. The multi-billion-dollar agreement includes both single- and twin-seat variants of the French-made jets
Once delivered, these new jets will join the 36 Rafale fighters that India already operates, strengthening New Delhi’s efforts to modernize its military forces. The latest purchase was first announced in 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France for the Bastille Day celebrations.
Built by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine jets are designed for aircraft carrier operations and are set to replace the aging fleet of Russian MiG-29Ks currently in use. According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, deliveries will be completed by 2030, with crews receiving training in both France and India.
Indian media reports indicate that the agreement will also cover training programs, equipment, weapons, and logistical support.
Although India has traditionally relied on Russia for military supplies, in recent years it has diversified its defense partnerships, purchasing equipment from countries like France, the United States, and Israel. This latest Rafale deal further deepens India’s long-standing relationship with French defense manufacturers — a partnership that dates back to previous acquisitions like the Mirage 2000 fighter jets in the 1980s and the Scorpene-class submarines ordered in 2005.
