India and France agreed to 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale M) aircraft, including training, armaments, technology transfer and collaborative manufacturing capabilities in India.

Rajnath Singh, India’s defence minister, and Sebastien Lecornu, France’s minister of armed forces, have officialised an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to buy 26 Rafale-Marine planes for the Indian Navy. With the involvement of Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and key officials, the signing ceremony was held on April 28, 2025, at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.

With cross-border events and security worries intensifying in recent weeks, the deal comes against growing military tensions between India and Pakistan.  The acquisition is anticipated to enhance India's naval air capability during a period of increasing regional insecurity.

Transfer of Technology and Agreement Scope

The arrangement covers performance-based logistics, armaments, related equipment, simulators, training, 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft. It also comprises extra tools to assist the current Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

In line with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat project, a national program meant to attain more self-reliance in key areas, the agreement has Transfer of Technology (ToT) clauses to include native weaponry and building manufacturing plants. Thousands of employment and fresh chances for micro, small and medium businesses (MSMEs) would be generated in India by means of a fuselage manufacturing facility and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines, sensors, and weaponry.

Rafale-Marine’s Operational Importance

Built by France’s Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne multirole fighter with verified marine combat capabilities. The Rafale-Marine will improve collaborative operations, simplify logistics, and maximise training across both forces by sharing operational commonality with the Rafales now deployed by the IAF.

Aircrew training will take place in France and India; the planes are set to be delivered by 2030.

The induction of Rafale-Marine jets is anticipated to greatly enhance the aircraft carrier-based air capability of the Indian Navy and act as a force multiplier in naval operations.

Author:  Özgür Ekşi