Rafale-M: The Naval Rafale

Deal Approved: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved a ₹63,000-crore deal to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy.
Contract Timeline: The contract is expected to be signed later this month (April 2025). Deliveries will begin 3.5 years after the contract is signed and complete in approximately 6.5 years.
Jet Composition: The deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M
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(carrier-compatible) and 4 twin-seater trainer variants (non-carrier compatible).
Operational Use: The jets will operate from India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
Purpose: To enhance naval airpower, counter China’s naval capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, and replace aging MiG-29Ks.
Rafale-M Features: Naval variant of the Rafale fighter jet, with reinforced landing gear, tailhook for carrier landings, and foldable wings.
Controversies: Past concerns included allegations of procedural violations and high costs.
Make in India: Dassault-Reliance JV manufactures 30% of components domestically.
Background: The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets acquired in a 2016 deal.
Naval Exercise: The Indian Navy observed the Rafale-M’s performance on the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during the Varuna exercise.
Further Deals: A separate deal for three additional Scorpene-class submarines is awaiting CCS approval.