What happened?
India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy, including 22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters. The Rs 63,000-crore deal covers simulators, weapons, training, and performance-based logistics. It also includes setting up production and MRO facilities in India. Deliveries will begin in 3–4 years, while integration of indigenous weapons like ASTRA Mk1 is planned under a Transfer of Technology arrangement.
Why it matters to India
The Rafale-M will enhance India’s maritime air power, supporting operations from short-deck, ski-jump aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. It ensures operational continuity as MiG-29Ks are phased out, until the indigenous TEDBF is ready. The deal strengthens Indo-French defence ties, boosts the Navy’s carrier strike capabilities, and is expected to create significant opportunities for Indian MSMEs through localisation initiatives.