The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly pursuing a government-to-government agreement for 40 more Rafale jets. At the same time, the Indian Navy has secured approval for a $7.4 billion deal to procure 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) aircraft.
Strengthening the skies: Indian Air Force’s stopgap expansion
Facing a decline in squadron strength, the IAF aims to bolster its operational readiness through the fast-tracked acquisition of 40 additional Rafale jets, the Indian defense portal Bharat Shakti reported on April 16, 2025. This move would supplement the existing fleet of 36 Rafales, bringing the total number of aircraft to 76.
The IAF’s pursuit of Rafale jets dates back to the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender launched in 2007, which sought to procure 126 new fighters. Dassault’s Rafale was selected in 2012 over competing US and European jets. However, prolonged negotiations over production responsibilities and technology transfer led to the cancellation of the deal in 2015.
Subsequently, a new contract was finalized on September 23, 2016, between French President François Hollande and Prime Minister Modi for 36 Rafale fighter jets valued at approximately €7.8 billion, the last of which was delivered in December 2022.
In 2018, India revived its fighter jet acquisition plans with the launch of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, aiming to procure 114 advanced combat aircraft for the IAF. However, the program has yet to yield tangible results.
Opting for a direct government-to-government deal with France enables faster delivery and leverages the IAF’s existing infrastructure and training established for the Rafale platform, avoiding the delays associated with the protracted MRFA tender process.
Power at sea: Indian Navy’s Rafale Marine acquisition
Parallel to this, the Indian Navy received clearance in early April 2025 to procure 26 Rafale M jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. The deal, valued at approximately $7.4 billion, includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater trainer variants. These aircraft are slated to operate from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, enhancing the Navy’s maritime strike capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
The Rafale M was selected over competitors, such as Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, after rigorous evaluations, including ski-jump tests to assess its compatibility with India’s carrier launch systems. The acquisition package encompasses advanced weaponry such as Meteor air-to-air missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles, along with comprehensive maintenance and training support.
Notably, the four twin-seater trainer aircraft included in the Navy’s acquisition will not be carrier-capable. While a two-seat naval variant, known as the Rafale N or Rafale BM, was once envisioned by France, the project was ultimately abandoned due to cost and design complexities. As a result, the Indian Navy’s twin-seat Rafales will be limited to land-based training operations.
First Rafale Marine produced since 2017
With this acquisition, India is poised to become the first export customer of the Rafale M, the naval variant of the Rafale fighter jet. This marks a significant milestone, as the Rafale M has previously been operated exclusively by the French Navy. Furthermore, these will be the first Rafale M aircraft produced since 2017, when the French Navy received its 42nd and final unit of the type.
The French Navy was the first to deploy Rafale F1 aircraft, which were limited to air-to-air capabilities, in 2001. It is poised to receive 12 new Rafale F5 aircraft around 2030. Alongside these, the Marine Nationale will also receive a “loyal wingman” drone, which Dassault is developing based on the nEUROn demonstrator.
While the formal contract for the IAF’s additional Rafales is pending, the Navy’s agreement is expected to be signed during an upcoming visit to India by French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, anticipated to take place in April 2025. Deliveries for the Navy’s Rafale M jets are anticipated to commence within four years of contract signing, with full induction by 2031.
