India formally cleared a historic defense agreement worth $7.4 billion for the purchase of 26 French-built Rafale Marine fighter aircraft. The deal is a major development in augmenting India’s naval power and is in line with the strategic defense aspirations of the nation. The agreement, one of the highlights of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s France visit in 2023, reflects the deepening of defense cooperation between the two countries.
The Rafale Marine jets will be operating from India’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and are anticipated to augment the operational capacity of the Indian Navy. The Dassault Aviation-produced jets form part of India’s ongoing process of modernization to strengthen its air and naval capabilities in the region, particularly in the face of heightened security threats in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement also marks a strengthening defense partnership between India and France, two democracies with mutual security interests.
The 26 fighter aircraft will supplement the current fleet of Rafale aircraft already operational with the Indian Air Force, bolstering the nation’s efforts to modernize its military infrastructure. Under the deal, French authorities will offer extensive training, spare parts, and maintenance support to guarantee the long-term efficiency of the aircraft.
The acquisition of these cutting-edge fighter jets is also regarded as a measure to counter the changing military dynamics in the region, especially against the backdrop of China’s rising military strength. With the acquisition of these cutting-edge jets, India is set to keep itself ahead technologically and secure its national security interests.
