By Staff Correspondent
On April 28, 2025, a landmark Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) was signed between India and France, paving the way for India’s acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets to strengthen its naval aviation capabilities. This agreement, signed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Mr. Sebastien Lecornu, represents a significant strategic and industrial milestone. The presence of senior defence officials and Dassault Aviation’s Chairman and CEO, Éric Trappier, at Nausena Bhawan underscores the gravity of this development for both nations.
This contract follows the Indian government’s July 2023 announcement of the selection of the Rafale Marine, making the Indian Navy the type’s first international operator outside France. The decision is the outcome of a rigorous international consultation and reflects the Indian authorities’ confidence in the Rafale Marine’s operational performance, reliability, and adaptability. It further demonstrates India’s intention to expand the operational remit of its naval fleet by incorporating state-of-the-art technology.
One of the most noteworthy features of this agreement is its alignment with India’s broader strategic ambitions under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Central to the contract is the provision for Transfer of Technology (ToT), which facilitates the integration of indigenous weapon systems into the Rafale platform. In addition, the contract mandates the establishment of domestic production facilities for the assembly of Rafale fuselages and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for engines, sensors, and weapons. Such measures are expected to create significant employment opportunities and stimulate substantial business for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Strategically, this acquisition is a testament to the deepening Indo-French defence partnership and mutual recognition of shared security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. For India, the induction of the Rafale Marine follows the successful operational deployment of 36 Rafale jets by its Air Force, thereby propelling its tactical and technological capabilities to a new level. This move not only enhances India’s maritime strength but also consolidates its position as a responsible actor and major stakeholder in the international arena.
For France and Dassault Aviation, the deal reaffirms their longstanding relationship with the Indian armed forces, which dates back more than seven decades to the induction of the Toofany. The agreement also highlights Dassault’s commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ policies, demonstrating the company’s willingness to invest in India’s industrial ecosystem and workforce capability. Dassault’s global reputation, with over 10,000 aircraft delivered in 90 countries, and its robust industrial base further assure the longevity and sustainability of this partnership.
Technologically, the Rafale Marine will endow the Indian Navy with cutting-edge air combat and multirole capabilities. The synergy with the French Navy, which already operates this aircraft, will facilitate operational familiarization and knowledge transfer. Ultimately, this acquisition will play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s maritime deterrence and safeguarding its national sovereignty.
The signature of the Rafale Marine contract is far more than a simple procurement deal; it is a hallmark of Indo-French cooperation, an investment in India’s technological and industrial ecosystem, and a significant enhancement of India’s defence posture. As articulated by Éric Trappier, this agreement signifies Dassault Aviation’s resolute commitment to Indian interests, supporting the country in expressing its sovereign power and realizing its strategic aspirations.
