The first flight is expected in 2028, and the induction could take place around 2035
| Photo Credit:
MURALI KUMAR K
India will acquire 26 Rafale Ms — the naval variant of the fighter jets currently operated by the Indian Air Force — from France through the government-to-government route, at an estimated cost of ₹64,000 crore, for deployment aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
The proposal for the Indian Navy for the acquisition of Rafale M from Dassault Aviation was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday, ahead of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s visit to India later this month.
A weapons package, along with associated ancillary equipment as part of logistic support, fleet maintenance, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing of components will be included in the Indian Navy’s deal. This will would help replace the ageing fleet of MiG-29ks and enhance strategic capabilities.
The MiG-29ks will continue to operate from the second aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, once the induction of Rafale Ms is complete.
The initial approval for acquiring the Rafale M, came from the Defence Ministry in July 2023, after the Indian Navy opted for the French fighter aircraft over Boeing F/A 18 Super Hornet, following exhaustive trials and price negotiations between the two countries.
The delivery of the 26 aircraft will begin five years after the contract is inked, sources said.
Though the Indian Navy’s requirement exceeds 26 aircraft it plans to acquire, the government is awaiting the development of Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), which is being designed and developed by the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). It will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
The first flight is expected in 2028 and the induction could take place around 2035, provided the production timelines do not go off tangent.
The government’s decision to opt for Rafale Ms was also influenced by fact that the Indian Air Force has already acquired 36 Rafale fighter jets. It would be easier for both forces to maintain the aircraft and would also help in mid-air refuelling too, said sources.
Published on April 9, 2025