In a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Rs 64,000 crore deal for the purchase of 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy. This move marks a major step forward in equipping the Navy with cutting-edge air power, following the Indian Air Force's ongoing induction of Rafale jets. The newly approved naval order includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale jets, which will be deployed on India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
The agreement, set to be signed in the coming days, goes beyond just the aircraft - it encompasses weapons systems, simulators, carrier-landing technology, pilot training, and logistical support, ensuring comprehensive preparedness for maritime operations.
This development comes as India continues to receive Rafale jets from French aerospace company Dassault Aviation under a separate Rs 59,000 crore deal signed in 2016 for 36 aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Many of these jets have already joined the fleet, significantly enhancing India’s aerial strike capabilities. The Rafale deal has not been without controversy. Allegations of irregularities and political criticism shadowed the original purchase, sparking national debate. However, the Modi government addressed the concerns, pushing forward to fulfill the defense requirements.
With delivery of the Navy’s Rafale jets expected between 2030 and 2031, the transition will be timely. The Indian Navy currently operates 40 Russian-made MiG-29K aircraft, which have been plagued by performance issues and accidents. Originally inducted in 2009, the fleet has seen five aircraft losses over the years, making the arrival of more reliable fighters an urgent necessity.
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As India moves to modernize its armed forces across all domains, the inclusion of Rafale jets into the naval arsenal signals a strategic pivot toward greater self-reliance and operational superiority in the Indo-Pacific region.