India Seeks 26 Rafale Naval Jets from France

08 Nov, 2023

India Seeks 26 Rafale Naval Jets from France

India has taken a significant step in its quest to strengthen its naval aviation capabilities by formally submitting a Letter of Request (LoR) to France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale naval configured jets. This move underscores the continuation of a strategic partnership between the two nations.

The journey to this crucial agreement began with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement during his visit to France in July, coinciding with France's Bastille Day celebrations. During this event, Prime Minister Modi expressed India's intention to procure these advanced naval fighter jets. The formal LoR was recently submitted, marking the official initiation of contract negotiations. Notably, this request follows the successful delivery of 36 Rafale aircraft to India in the previous year.

India's choice of the Navy Rafale as its preferred option to equip the Indian Navy with state-of-the-art fighter jets speaks to the aircraft's capabilities and the strategic importance of the partnership. This government-to-government deal reflects the deep commitment and trust between the two nations.

The decision to pursue this agreement followed a comprehensive evaluation process, including an international competition initiated by Indian authorities and rigorous trials held in India. The Navy Rafale demonstrated its ability to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy, especially on the country's aircraft carriers.

These 26 Rafale jets will complement India's existing fleet of 36, positioning India as the first country to operate both versions of the aircraft. This not only enhances India's air capabilities but also bolsters its maritime power projection, reinforcing its sovereignty and strategic position in the region.

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, expressed gratitude and commitment to meeting the Indian Navy's expectations, saying, "As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of as we celebrate our enduring partnership with the Indian Armed Forces, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Indian authorities for this renewed display of trust and confidence.

The acquisition of these Rafale aircraft holds particular significance for the Indian Navy, especially concerning its two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. These carriers, which previously operated MiG-29s, now require the advanced capabilities of the Rafale for their operations, including the integration of indigenous missiles such as the Astra air-to-air missile.

The financial aspect of this substantial deal is estimated at around Euro 5.5 billion. The clearance for this acquisition was granted by the defense acquisition council shortly before the Indian Prime Minister's visit to France for the Bastille Day parade in July. The proposed arrangement includes 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft and four trainer aircraft, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy's operational readiness.

Recognizing the urgency of this acquisition, both the Indian Navy and government are working in fast-track mode to expedite the signing of the acquisition contract. The timely deployment of these highly capable aircraft on Indian carriers is essential for maintaining New Delhi's strategic edge in the Indian Ocean region, where paramount strategic interests and security considerations are at play.