In a major step towards strengthening India's naval aviation capabilities, India and France are poised to finalise a landmark ₹63,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets on April 28. The agreement will be signed during the visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu to New Delhi, underscoring the deepening strategic ties between the two nations.

The Rafale-M jets, designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations, will be inducted into the Indian Navy to enhance its air power, particularly onboard the newly commissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M fighters and four trainer aircraft, alongside comprehensive support packages covering spares, maintenance, and training.

Sources indicate that negotiations have been in the final stages for months, following the Navy’s selection of the Rafale-M over the F/A-18 Super Hornet after extensive trials. The finalised contract is expected to include significant offsets, fostering technology transfer and boosting the 'Make in India' initiative.

The induction of Rafale-M jets will provide the Indian Navy with cutting-edge operational capabilities, including advanced radar, superior weapons systems, and compatibility with carrier-based operations — a crucial advantage in the Indo-Pacific region’s evolving security dynamics.

This procurement mirrors the Indian Air Force’s earlier acquisition of 36 Rafale jets, reinforcing the reliability and performance credentials of the Rafale platform within India's armed forces. The finalisation of this deal will mark another milestone in India-France defence cooperation, which has seen steady growth in recent years.