India and France have reportedly finalized discussions regarding the purchase of 26 Rafale M carrier-based fighter jets, with the deal estimated at around USD 7.6 billion (RM33.44 billion). The formal signing of the agreement is anticipated in April 2025, coinciding with the visit of the French Defence Minister to India.
The Indian Navy plans to incorporate the Rafale M into its fleet, replacing the older MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft currently operated by the INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers” squadrons.
These advanced fighters, produced by Dassault Aviation, will be deployed on India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, significantly bolstering the navy’s aerial combat capabilities. While the exact details of the order are still awaiting official confirmation, reports suggest that India will acquire 22 Rafale M fighters for carrier operations, in addition to four dual-seat Rafale B trainer aircraft. The Rafale B, unlike the Rafale M, is not designed for carrier use and will be utilized for land-based training purposes.
Deliveries of the Rafale M to the Indian Navy are expected to commence in 2029, marking a significant advancement in India’s naval aviation. However, final decisions regarding training protocols and aircraft specifications are still pending official approval.
In accordance with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which requires that a minimum of 60 percent of weapon systems be produced domestically, Dassault Aviation is reportedly assessing the possibility of setting up a final assembly line in India. This initiative could enhance future procurement of Rafale aircraft while supporting India’s goal to strengthen its indigenous defense manufacturing sector.
India has a well-established relationship with the Rafale platform, having signed a contract in 2016 for 36 Rafale fighters for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with all deliveries completed by 2022.
As part of its comprehensive military modernization plan, the IAF is actively considering additional orders for Rafale aircraft. Following India’s recent procurement, Dassault Aviation’s backlog for the Rafale now totals 256 aircraft, which includes 190 for international clients and 56 for the French Air and Space Force. With the current production rate expected to increase to three aircraft per month, it is estimated that Dassault will need around seven years to meet its existing orders.
In a similar vein to the Indian Air Force, the Indian Navy has chosen to implement a range of custom modifications to the Rafale M, enhancing the aircraft’s capabilities for naval combat scenarios.
Key enhancements include the introduction of a new Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), software improvements for air-to-sea operations to support precise carrier landings, and advancements in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), which ensure the aircraft functions effectively in high-electronic warfare (EW) scenarios.
Furthermore, the Indian Rafale M fleet will be equipped with state-of-the-art low-band jammers, an upgraded radio altimeter, and next-generation high-frequency decoys, significantly boosting the aircraft’s survivability and electronic warfare capabilities.
With these advanced upgrades, the Rafale M is set to become a formidable asset in the Indian Navy’s inventory, enhancing its air superiority throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This modernization not only strengthens India’s maritime strike capabilities but also acts as a robust deterrent against potential threats in the contested waters of the region.
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