Rafale M deal for Indian Navy has officially been approved by the Indian government, marking a major milestone in the country’s defence strategy. The deal involves the purchase of 26 Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets from France, specifically tailored for aircraft carrier operations. Valued at approximately ₹50,000 crore, the agreement strengthens naval air power and is a significant addition to India’s maritime capabilities. The Rafale M deal for Indian Navy also represents a deepening of India-France defence ties, with delivery timelines and operational integration now the next focus areas.
A major deal for Rs 63,000 crore to buy 26 Rafale M fighter planes for the Indian Navy is anticipated to be finalized by the Ministry of Defence this month. The French Rafale’s naval counterpart is the Rafale M.
The deal is reportedly almost finished, and it is expected to be approved by the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the coming weeks.
Rafale M Deal for Indian Navy: Key Delivery Timeline & Training Details Revealed
Along with a comprehensive package of fleet maintenance, logistical assistance, employee training, and domestic manufacturing components as offsets, this government-to-government agreement will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft. Training for Navy personnel is another aspect of the deal.
After the contract is finalized, Rafale M plane deliveries are anticipated to start approximately four years later. The first shipment is anticipated to reach the Indian Navy by the end of 2029, and the entire order is anticipated to be completed by 2031.
As part of the Rafale M deal for Indian Navy, these modern fighter jets will operate from India’s aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous INS Vikrant—replacing the aging MiG-29K fleet and significantly enhancing naval aviation capabilities.
With heavier landing gear, arrester hooks, and a reinforced frame to perform Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations—which involve launching and recovering aircraft from ships—the Rafale M is specifically designed for carrier-based missions.
Conclusion:
The Rafale M deal for Indian Navy is more than just a high-value defence agreement—it’s a bold step toward modernizing India’s maritime security. With the inclusion of advanced aircraft, crew training, maintenance support, and domestic production elements, the deal strengthens both operational capability and strategic self-reliance. As deliveries begin in 2029 and complete by 2031, the Indian Navy is set to enter a new era of naval aviation dominance.
