Agreement Reached with France for Acquisition of 26 Rafale Combat Aircraft by India
Rewritten Article:
India's military modernization strategy took a significant step forward with the acquisition of 26 more Rafale fighter jets from France, as the nations inked a deal on Monday. These jets will supplement the 36 French-made Rafales already bought by India, and they're all set to join the Indian Air Force (IAF).
"India and France have agreed to procure 26 Rafale Aircraft," the defense ministry announced, adding that this move is part of India's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense equipment.
Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace firm behind the Rafale jets, expects these planes to operate from Indian-built aircraft carriers. These aircraft will replace the Russian MiG-29K jets, according to the Indian ministry.
The deal includes training facilities, simulators, support equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics. It includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets, as well as additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet in the IAF, the ministry stated.
The plan to purchase these 26 Rafales was first announced by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit to France for the Bastille Day celebrations in 2023.
Historically, Russia has been a key provider of military equipment to India, but New Delhi has diversified its sources for defense equipment in recent years. Besides France, India has also purchased military hardware from the United States and Israel.
Reacting to the news, Dassault Aviation expressed its confidence that the Rafale jets will provide India with "state-of-the-art capabilities" and a more significant role in assuring national sovereignty and strengthening India's global influence.
Dassault noted that India's navy will be the first user outside France to use the Rafale Marine jet.
Commenting on India's increasing defense spending, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported last year that India was the world's largest arms importer[6], accounting for nearly 10% of all global imports in 2019-23.
This move comes at a time when India's relations with arch-rival Pakistan have taken a turn for the worse. New Delhi has accused Pakistan of backing the deadliest attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir since 2000 - allegations that Pakistan denies.
The two nations have exchanged hostile rhetoric, gunfire, and expelled diplomats since the April 2023 attack which left 26 men dead. Analysts warn of the risk of the crisis escalating into a full-blown military confrontation.
In response to the deteriorating situation with Pakistan and the growing threats from China[5], India has stepped up its defense reforms. This includes pushing for fresh contracts from foreign suppliers, such as France, and simplifying domestic production laws for critical defense hardware.
India has made significant strides in its military modernization efforts in the last decade. Notable achievements include creating an expansive new helicopter factory, launching its first homemade aircraft carrier, and conducting a successful long-range hypersonic missile test[3]. These advancements have led to the growth of India's defense exports[3], with sales reaching $2.63 billion in 2023 - though still small compared to larger players in the defense industry.
India has also intensified its defense cooperation with Western nations, including forming the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan, and Australia[2]. Despite the spending on defense imports, India remains committed to self-reliance in its defense sector[1].
However, India's defense sector struggles to match China's integrated industrial base[1][2]. As a result, the country faces challenges in achieving full operational capability and technological parity with its strategic competitors. Long-term indigenous programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-II are still in development, with significant timelines before they can adequately contribute[1].
© 2025 AFP
- In addition to the 36 already purchased, India will now have 26 more Rafale fighter jets from France, as the countries finalized a deal in 2023.
- The ongoing modernization of India's defense equipment includes the acquisition of these Rafale jets, which will join the Indian Air Force.
- The Russian MiG-29K jets will be replaced by the Rafale jets in India's navy, as per the Indian ministry's statement.
- The United States and Israel have also become significant suppliers of military hardware to India alongside Russia, as the nation diversifies its sources.
- France expressed confidence that the Rafale jets, set to operate from Indian-built aircraft carriers, will provide India with "state-of-the-art capabilities."
- In the political and general news scene of 2023, India's planned export of its military equipment, including hypersonic missiles, received attention, indicating its growing global influence.
