India Greenlights $7.4 Billion Deal to Acquire 26 French Rafale Fighter Jets

TDT | Manama
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In a strategic move to enhance its defense capabilities, India has approved the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France, solidifying its position as a key player in the Indian Ocean region amidst growing concerns over China's expanding influence.

The deal, valued at 640 billion rupees ($7.4 billion), was sanctioned by a government committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Senior officials, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the approval, with the Press Trust of India being the first to report the news.

The order includes four twin-seater trainer aircraft, alongside maintenance for the 36 Rafale fighters India acquired for its air force in 2016. The remaining 22 jets will be single-pilot variants, designed for operational efficiency. The aircraft will be deployed on India’s domestically manufactured aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, enhancing the Navy's operational capabilities.

The naval deal was a pivotal component of Prime Minister Modi's discussions during his visit to France in 2023, reflecting a growing defense cooperation between the two countries. As China’s assertiveness in the Indian Ocean escalates, Western nations, particularly France, have been eager to strengthen ties with India, offering critical technologies such as semiconductors, advanced weapon systems, and investment opportunities.

The move also marks a shift in India’s defense sourcing as France edges closer to replacing Russia, traditionally India’s largest weapons supplier. This shift comes as Russia faces increasing challenges in delivering military hardware due to sanctions imposed in response to its war in Ukraine. From 2020 to 2024, India was the largest buyer of French military equipment, ahead of Qatar, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

India's current fleet includes Russian-made MiG-29K fighters based on the INS Vikramaditya, the country’s second aircraft carrier. Additionally, India is developing its own deck-based fighters, with the French Rafale acquisition aimed at bridging gaps in the Navy's combat readiness.

Neither India’s Ministry of Defense nor the Navy has commented on the deal as of yet.