As anticipated by FW MAG at the beginning of April, India has entered into its second contract for RAFALE fighter jets, with the formal inking of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with France for the supply of 26 RAFALE MARINE fighter jets for the navy under a deal worth €7 billion. India is the first nation to opt for both the air force and navy versions of the RAFALE.

The Indian Navy will 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seaters as part of the deal which includes training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons and a Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contract.  India had earlier contracted for 36 RAFALE fighter jets for the air force in September 2016, with all aircraft delivered and now operational.

Media reports have indicated that Dassault Aviation will deliver 9 aircraft in 2028, followed by two batches of 12 and 5, respectively, in 2029 and 2030. Information provided by India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the IGA included a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement for integration of indigenous weapons within the country.

A production facility to manufacture RAFALE fuselages, as well as aircraft engine, sensors and weapons, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities will be setup in India, an MoD spokesperson said, adding that the deal would create thousands of jobs and generate revenue for a large number of MSMEs in setting up, production and running of these facilities.”

“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 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 spokesperson added.

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) had announced the selection of the Rafale Marine in 2023 for the navy’s Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighter (MRCBF) requirement issued in 2017. The other contender for the Indian requirement was Boeing’s F/A 18 E/F SUPER HORNET.

The navy presently has a fleet of approximately 40 MiG-29 K/UB fighter jets which are operational of India’s two aircraft carriers INS VIKRAMADITYA and INS VIKRANT. 

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