India–France Strategic Partnership Reaches New Heights
The long-standing diplomatic and defence partnership between India and France has taken another leap forward with the Indian government giving the green light to a landmark defence deal. Strengthening maritime capabilities and deepening strategic ties, India is set to acquire 26 Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets from France in a deal valued at ₹63,000 crore. This marks a significant milestone in Indo-French defence cooperation, adding a powerful edge to India’s naval aviation.
France has remained a trusted partner in India’s defence modernisation journey, and the Rafale M deal builds on the successful induction of Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2020. The upcoming agreement reinforces this partnership, this time with a focus on naval power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Deal: Modern Firepower for the Indian Navy
According to defence sources, the final approval is expected soon from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government-to-government deal includes:
- 22 single-seater Rafale M jets
- 4 twin-seater trainer versions
- A comprehensive support package covering fleet maintenance, logistics, personnel training, and offsets for indigenous manufacturing.
The deal, which will be routed through inter-governmental procedures, ensures quicker deliveries and long-term support from Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer.
Rafale M: A Strategic Fit for India’s Carriers
The Rafale M is designed specifically for carrier-based operations. It features robust landing gear, arrestor hooks, and a reinforced frame suited for Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) systems — ideal for deployment on Indian aircraft carriers.
These jets will operate from INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant, replacing the ageing MiG-29K fleet. Deliveries are scheduled to begin around 2029, with the full complement expected by 2031.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger Naval Future
The Rafale M acquisition is not just a major upgrade for the Indian Navy, but a statement of India’s strategic intent in the Indian Ocean and beyond. As tensions in maritime zones rise and global trade routes face challenges, a technologically superior naval force is critical.
With this deal, India is set to become one of the few nations with twin-carrier, fourth-generation naval aviation capabilities. The agreement further cements France as a key defence ally, while paving the way for future cooperation in areas like submarines, space, and joint technology development.
The skies and seas ahead look promising for Indo-French ties — and even more so for India’s naval power.
(With inputs from agencies)
