India and France officially signed a major defence agreement on Monday for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets, a deal valued at over ₹63,000 crore, defence officials confirmed.
The signing ceremony, held at Nausena Bhawan in Delhi, was attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K. Swaminathan, and the French Ambassador to India.
The Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the procurement of these jets for the Indian Navy on April 9, 2025. The agreement covers 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater variants, alongside a comprehensive support package that includes fleet maintenance, logistics, personnel training, and the manufacturing of indigenous components.
“This agreement marks a significant leap in bolstering India’s maritime air strength and underscores our commitment to self-reliance in defence,” said a senior defence official.
As part of the contract’s offset obligations, several components and equipment for the Rafale-M jets will be produced within India, reinforcing the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
India has also requested the integration of homegrown weapons systems, including the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and Rudram anti-radiation missiles, into the Rafale-M platform.
“The adaptation of indigenous weaponry onto these jets reflects a strategic push toward enhanced self-reliance and greater operational flexibility,” a senior Navy official noted.
This landmark deal not only boosts India’s naval aviation capabilities but also deepens its growing strategic partnership with France.