Procurement of Rafale-M Fighter Jets
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a substantial deal for the Indian Navy on April 9, 2025.
Details of the Deal
- Deal Value: Nearly ₹63,000 crore for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets.
- Composition:
- 22 single-seater jets capable of operating from aircraft carriers.
- 4 twin-seater trainer jets, not carrier-compatible.
- Stage of Approval: CCS approval is the final step before formal conclusion.
- Expected Signing: During the French Defence Minister’s visit to India later this month.
Additional Agreements
- A deal for three additional Scorpene-class conventional submarines with France is pending CCS approval.
Delivery Timeline
- Delivery of jets will begin three-and-a-half years post-contract signing.
- Completion of delivery is anticipated within six-and-a-half years.
Context and Background
- The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale jets from a previous ₹60,000-crore deal signed in September 2016.
- The Indian Navy observed the performance of Rafale-M jets during the Varuna exercise aboard the French carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Initial Approval and Current Naval Capability
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted initial approval on July 13, 2023, for the purchase of Rafale-M fighters and Scorpene-class submarines.
- The Navy operates two aircraft carriers:
- INS Vikramaditya (procured from Russia).
- INS Vikrant (indigenously built, commissioned in September 2022).
