India Finalizes Historic Order for 26 Rafale Marine Jets from France

India officially signed a major agreement with France on Monday, April 28, for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets to bolster its naval forces. The intergovernmental contract was signed in the presence of Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier, the company announced in a statement.

Long awaited, this order strengthens the growing military cooperation between Paris and New Delhi. It follows a previous acquisition of 36 standard Rafale jets by the Indian Air Force in 2016. According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the contract is valued at $7.4 billion (approximately €6.5 billion) and covers not only the aircraft, but also pilot training, flight simulators, associated equipment, weaponry, and aircraft maintenance.

Deliveries Scheduled for 2030

The 26 aircraft — including 22 single-seaters and 4 two-seaters — are expected to be delivered starting in 2030. They will be deployed aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, replacing the current fleet of Russian-made MiG-29K jets. The selection of the Rafale Marine was officially announced in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a state visit to France, where India was the guest of honor at the Bastille Day celebrations.

A New Milestone for Rafale Exports

With this new order, India becomes the first export customer for the naval version of the Rafale, which has been in service with the French Navy since 2004. Designed as a versatile multi-role fighter — capable of air defense, reconnaissance, ground strikes, and nuclear deterrence missions — the Rafale continues its international success. Since 2015, Dassault Aviation has sold 285 Rafale jets to seven countries: Qatar, Egypt, India, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Croatia.