India-France Rafale-M Procurement Agreement
India and France have concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) valued at nearly ₹64,000 crore to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The agreement includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons, and Performance-Based Logistics, with deliveries beginning mid-2028 and completing by 2030.
Key Components of the Agreement
- Inclusion of training, simulator, and weapons.
- Performance-Based Logistics.
- Additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force.
- Transfer of Technology for integrating indigenous weapons such as Astra Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile on Rafales.
- Establishment of production facility for Rafale Fuselage and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India.
Economic and Strategic Impact
- Generation of thousands of jobs and revenue for MSMEs.
- Substantial enhancement of joint operational capability between the Navy and IAF.
- Optimization of training and logistics for the aircraft.
Operational Details
- Deliveries to begin 37 months from the contract date, completed in 66 months.
- 22 single-seater carrier-compatible jets and 4 twin-seater trainer jets not carrier-compatible.
Additional Procurement
India will also receive 31 MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from the U.S. under a $3.5 billion deal, with 15 for the Navy and 8 each for the Army and IAF.
