India, France ink intergovernmental pact sealing Rs 64,000 cr deal to procure 26 Rafale jets

New Delhi: India and France on Monday signed a Rs 64,000 crore deal to procure 26 Rafale-M combat aircraft for the Indian Navy, boosting the force’s ability to hit the enemy hard.

“Manufactured by France's Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in maritime environments. The delivery of these aircraft would be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

The aircraft will operate from the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and may also be used in the Russian origin INS Vikramaditya that uses MiG-29K as its principal weapon. The MiG-29K, however, has a poor serviceability record.

The inter-governmental agreement has been signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu within weeks of the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving the green signal.

The signed copies of the agreement, aircraft package supply protocol and weapons package supply protocol were exchanged today by the Indian and French officials in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

“The comprehensive agreement also includes training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and a five-year Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) support package. It further provides for additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of Rafale aircraft,” said a statement issued by the French Embassy in Delhi.

The government-to-government deal also includes transfer of technology for integration of indigenous weapons and setting up of production facility for Rafale fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) units for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India.

This may be an indication of New Delhi’s inkling to get more Rafale aircraft for the armed forces as the Indian Air Force, which operates two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets is in a dire need to add more combat aircraft to its inventory because of a dwindling squadron strength.

As per the deal, 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft will be supplied by Dassault Aviation and the delivery will begin by 2028 – within three years of inking the contract.

The agreement includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics. It also includes additional equipment for the IAF’s existing Rafale fleet.

The deal has provisions for integration of indigenous weapons like Astra beyond visual range missiles with the aircraft.

“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,” said the defence ministry statement.

The induction will 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-M jets, sources said, would also open up a window for the Indian Navy to renew its appeal to the union government for a third aircraft carrier.

“The agreement marks a significant new milestone in the strategic partnership between France and India. Reflecting the deep mutual trust and confidence that underpin our defence cooperation, it also highlights the ability of the French industry to align with India’s evolving needs. It paves the way for stronger industrial ties and opens new horizons for our partnership," said Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India.