India and France signed a ₹63,000 crore defence agreement on 28 April 2025 for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft. The deal was signed at the Defence Ministry headquarters in New Delhi, after approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
France was represented by its Ambassador to India, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation. Both Defence Ministers attended remotely, with the French minister cancelling an in-person visit due to personal reasons.
The Indian Navy urgently needs new carrier-borne fighter jets to replace its aging MiG-29K fleet. The Rafale Marine aircraft will be deployed aboard INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier.
The contract includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale M jets, configured for Indian needs, along with maintenance support, logistics, training, and indigenous component manufacturing.
The Rafale M jets will operate alongside MiG-29Ks on INS Vikrant, enhancing naval capabilities. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale aircraft, and with this deal, India’s Rafale fleet will expand to 62, bolstering its 4.5-generation fighter jet strength.
