India has finalized a ₹64,000 crore deal with France’s Dassault Aviation to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The agreement was signed during a virtual ceremony on April 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone for India’s naval aviation capabilities.
India has signed a significant intergovernmental agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy at a cost of around ₹64,000 crore. The agreement was formalized during a virtual signing ceremony, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The deal involves French defence giant Dassault Aviation, a renowned aerospace company specializing in military and business aircraft, known for manufacturing the Rafale fighter jets. These jets are intended for deployment on India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
The agreement was finalized just three weeks after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval. Under the contract terms, the delivery of the jets is expected to commence within five years.
The defence ministry had initially approved the acquisition in July 2023 after detailed evaluations and extensive testing of the platform. Apart from the jets, the Indian Navy will also receive weapon systems, spares, and related ancillary equipment from Dassault Aviation, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement of India’s naval aviation strength.
This procurement marks a strategic step toward modernizing India’s naval fleet, strengthening its operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
