India, France sign deal to buy 26 Rafale-M jets

The deal is reportedly valued at over Rs 63,000 crore.

"It includes Training, Simulator, Associated Equipment, Weapons and Performance-Based Logistics," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"The IGA has been signed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Armed Forces of France Mr Sebastien Lecornu," the statement said.

The signed copies of the agreement, aircraft package supply protocol and weapons package supply protocol were exchanged by Indian and French officials in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi on April 28, 2025.

"In line with the Government's thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes Transfer of Technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India," the statement said.

It also includes setting up of production facility for Rafale Fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India.

The Indian government said the deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and revenue for a large number of MSMEs in setting up, production and running of these facilities.

Dassault Aviation

Manufactured by France's Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in maritime environment.

The delivery of these aircraft would be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India, the government said.

"Rafale-Marine has commonality with the Rafale being operated by IAF. Its procurement will substantially enhance joint operational capability, besides optimising training and logistics for the aircraft for both Indian Navy and IAF," the statement said.

The government said the induction would lead to the addition of a potent force multiplier to the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, substantially boosting the nation’s air power at sea.

The  Rafale Marine fighter jets are globally considered one of the most efficient in the segment.

It is currently operated by the French Navy.

The new jets are expected to enhance the country's maritime security power.

The deal is inked at a time when relationship between India and Pakistan deteriorated recently following the terror attack in Pahalgam town that left 26 people, mostly non-Muslim tourists, killed.

In an immediate response  India suspended the landmark Indus River water-sharing treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah road border which acts a lifeline of Indo-Pak trade and people-to-people ties, besides expelling diplomats, downsizing high commissions and issuing a 48-hour deadline to Pakistani visa holders present in India to leave.