Indian Navy to Receive 26 Rafale-M Fighter Jets
The Indian Navy has received 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, which were contracted last week. These jets will be inducted from the second quarter of 2028 onwards, enabling the Indian Navy to field both its aircraft carriers with the full complement of their fighters. However, the jet and the flight deck of the carrier will need slight modifications to fit the Rafale-M on the lifts and for optimal performance.
The lifts on board the carrier will require some modifications, and the overall system will need changes due to the use of a ski-jump. The wing pylons of the Rafale need to be removed before they can be moved on the lift. The consolidation of the capital allocation in the defence budget, which did away with service-specific capital allocation, has helped in prioritizing the payments for the Rafale deal, which was initially planned for the previous fiscal year.
The delivery of these aircraft will begin in the second quarter of 2028 and be completed by the end of 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India.
Inter-Governmental Agreement
On April 28, India and France concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine jets – 22 single-seater and four twin-seater – for the Indian Navy. The agreement includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics (PBL) for five years, costing nearly ₹64,000 crore. The deal also includes additional equipment for the existing 36 Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force.
The country’s first indigenous carrier, INS Vikrant, measuring 262 metres long and 62 metres wide, can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets and, in the future, Rafale-Ms, Kamov-31 early warning helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, and indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). Both the carriers use the STOBAR (short take-off but arrested recovery) method to launch and recover aircraft, which is equipped with a ski-jump to launch aircraft and three ‘arrester wires’ for recovery.
Capital Utilisation
To avoid unspent money and optimise capital utilisation, the Union government cleared and concluded another mega-deal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a cost of ₹62,700 crore. This deal was advanced and concluded on March 28, 2025. The doing away of service-specific capital allocation has been beneficial in better managing the procurement cycles.
Rafale-M Capabilities
The Rafale is a multi-role aircraft capable of undertaking air defence, escort, maritime strike, strike against shore targets, reconnaissance, and buddy refuelling missions. The Indian Navy aircraft carriers with their full complement of fighter aircraft have the ability to exercise sea control and strike enemy units at extended ranges while remaining well outside enemy weapon ranges. The Rafale will also effectively provide the Navy with an ability to effect operations on land through shore strikes.
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rafale-m-once-inducted-will-ensure-full-fighter-strength-on-both-aircraft-carriers/article69535020.ece
