India has approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale marine fighter jets from France for 640 billion rupees ($7.4 billion), significantly bolstering the nation’s naval defense capabilities, Bloomberg reports.
The decision, greenlit by a committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, underscores India’s strategic positioning as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.
The order comprises four twin-seater trainer aircraft, alongside a provision for the maintenance of the 36 Rafale fighter jets already acquired by the Indian Air Force in 2016. The remaining 22 aircraft are single-seat variants designed for single pilots.
The naval deal was a key topic of discussion during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in 2023. Western nations, increasingly concerned by China’s assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, have actively sought to strengthen ties with India by offering crucial technologies, including semiconductors, advanced weapon systems, and significant investments.
Sources familiar with the plans indicate the new fleet will be deployed on the Indian Navy’s domestically-built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. While the Ministry of Defense and the Navy have yet to issue an official statement, the purchase marks a significant step in modernizing India’s naval air power.
The approval of the Rafale deal positions France as a leading arms supplier to India, rivaling Russia, which has traditionally been India’s largest source of weaponry. A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that India was the largest purchaser of French military hardware between 2020 and 2024, followed by Qatar.
India currently operates a fleet of Russian-made MiG-29K fighters based on its second aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya.
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