The Indian Navy is preparing to significantly upgrade its maritime combat capabilities, with the first delivery of Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets expected in late 2029.
This development follows a planned agreement to purchase 26 of the advanced aircraft. The deal, which includes 22 single-seater Rafale M planes and four twin-seater Rafale B trainer aircraft, is expected to be finalized in April 2025 when the French Defence Minister visits India.
The purchase, estimated to be worth around €7 billion (approximately ₹63,000 crore), represents a major investment in the Navy's carrier-based air power. This will help ensure the Navy can maintain a strong presence in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.
The formal agreement for the 26 Rafale M jets will be made between the Indian and French governments. Discussions have been ongoing since July 2023, when India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) initially approved the need for the aircraft.
The purchase includes 22 single-seater Rafale Ms, designed for use on aircraft carriers, and four twin-seater Rafale B models for training purposes on land. These new jets will fill a crucial role until India's domestically developed Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), currently being created by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is ready for deployment.
The Rafale M fighters will be deployed on India's two aircraft carriers: the INS Vikramaditya (originally acquired from Russia) and the INS Vikrant, which was built in India and launched in September 2022.
The Navy currently uses Russian-made MiG-29K fighters on these carriers, but these aircraft have experienced reliability problems and are approaching the end of their service life.
The Rafale M was chosen over the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet after extensive testing at the Shore-Based Test Facility (SBTF) in Goa. The Rafale M provides a battle-tested platform with modern electronics, features specifically designed for aircraft carriers, and shares many parts with the 36 Rafale jets already used by the Indian Air Force (IAF). This shared design is expected to lower maintenance and logistical expenses.
Defence sources indicate that the first Rafale M jets will arrive about 48 months after the contract is signed, placing the initial delivery in late 2029. The complete delivery of all 26 aircraft is projected to take two years, with full integration into the Navy's fleet expected by late 2031.
This schedule reportedly aligns with contractual terms requiring Dassault Aviation, the aircraft's manufacturer, to deliver the first jet within 37-48 months of the contract signing, with subsequent deliveries in phases.
The process will also involve training for the flight crews, the provision of flight simulators, spare parts, and other logistical support, to help the Navy quickly make the jets operational. Flight simulators are highly immersive training environment which replicates the cockpit of an aircraft.
The arrival of the Rafale Ms in late 2029 is also expected to coincide with the delivery of MQ-9B Sea Guardian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the United States, which were ordered in 2023. These new technologies will significantly enhance the navy surveillance at sea and strike capabilities.
The introduction of the Rafale M fighters comes at a crucial time, as the Indian Navy faces increasing maritime security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. China's growing naval strength, including its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, and its operations in the South China Sea, highlight the importance of India maintaining a strong naval force.
The Rafale M will improve the Navy's ability to project power, carry out long-range attacks, and protect vital sea trade routes. It will work in conjunction with the IAF's Rafale jets and the Navy's submarine fleet to provide a comprehensive defence capability.
