A big deal was done between India and France. After the Pahalgam attack, where all the countries have come on India’s side and India is preparing to take revenge from Pakistan. India made the deal (India France Rafale) to make good preparations for the revenge. The Indian government has placed a big order of 26 Rafale marine fighter jets to France. The deal which is worth total Rs. 63000 crore, will prove to be a huge power for the Indian Navy. Rafale jets will be maintained on the carrier of INS Vikrant aircraft, this will further strengthen India’s maritime security. This decision will lead to the adoption of new defence technologies and is a very important step to strengthen India-France relations.
BACKROUND
India and France have an old defence cooperation relationship. Both countries have been strategic partners of each other in defence technology and military collaboration. France always helps India in providing modern defence equipment, be it fighter jets, submarines or missiles. In the year 2016, India had decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, which increased the strength of the Indian Air Force and it was a very good step. Rafale is a 4.5 generation multi role fighter jet which is equipped with advanced technology and makes India’s defense system stronger.
Now in 2025, after this terror attack, India has decided to buy 26 Rafale marine fighter jets which are for the Indian navy. These Rafale jets are specifically prepared to be mounted on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, which will take India’s maritime security and operational capabilities to a new level.
This understanding between France and India is also very important in the context of global geopolitics. India is focusing fully on its self-reliance policy but is also working together with reliable partners in the world to bring in high-tech defence equipment.
Deal Details – India-France Rafale Agreement
There is a new deal between India and France for Rafale Marine Fighter jets, which is worth Rs. 63,000 crore and will take India’s naval defense capabilities to a new level. All the information about this agreement is given here.
- How many jets –
There are a total of 26 Rafale Marine Fighter jets, which have been prepared separately for the Indian navy and will be deployed on the INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier. - Price and Payment Structure –
These aircraft are being purchased from France for a total of Rs. 63,000 crore. Apart from Rafale, the deal also includes missiles, radar system and support services. - Delivery timeline –
Delivery of the first batch will begin by 2028 and Indian navy is likely to get all the jets by 2030. Pilot and engineer training modules will also be provided along with the jets.
4. Advanced Features
- Marine Rafale aircraft comes with advanced stealth technology.
- It provides adhunik sensors and better maneuverability comparable to MiG-29K.
- The aircraft will be equipped with Air-to-Air missiles and Air-to-Ground strike capabilities, which are perfect for naval operations.
5. Strategic Importance
- This is a major decision to strengthen India’s maritime security.
- This deal has been done keeping in mind China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- It will further strengthen the defense cooperation and technology sharing between India and France.
CONCLUSION
This deal has been done to strengthen the Indian Navy and the complete order will be received by 2028 or 2030. This will make India a strong defense for the upcoming wars.
And it will further strengthen the relationship between India and France.