India and France have concluded negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine carrier-based fighter aircraft, a strategic contract valued at approximately $7.6 billion (€7 billion). According to Indian Defence News, the formal agreement is expected to be signed in April 2025 during a visit to India by the French Minister of Defence. This acquisition represents a significant step in the modernization of the Indian Navy’s air capabilities, replacing the aging MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft currently operated by INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers.” The new aircraft will be deployed on the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean.
The agreement includes the delivery of 22 Rafale Marine single-seat fighters and 4 Rafale B twin-seat aircraft, the latter intended exclusively for advanced pilot training on land before their operational transition to carrier-based operations. Unlike the Rafale M, the Rafale B is not designed for carrier landings and takeoffs, but it will serve as a critical component in preparing pilots for carrier-based missions.
Beyond the aircraft, the contract covers a comprehensive weapons package, including the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, which provides an engagement capability beyond 150 km, and the Exocet AM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missile, designed for high-precision, low-altitude strikes against naval targets. Additionally, the package includes performance-based logistics (PBL) support to ensure high availability rates and a training program for both pilots and maintenance crews.
The Rafale Marine was selected over Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet after extensive evaluations. India conducted trials to assess the ability of both aircraft to operate from its STOBAR-configured (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) carriers, with the Rafale M proving more suitable to the Indian Navy’s operational requirements.