India to sign deal to acquire 26 Dassault Rafale fighter jets for Navy by end of April
Almost two years after the announcement of the selection of the Rafale, the Indian government is set to sign an agreement to acquire 26 Dassault M-variant naval fighter jets.
According to local media, the deal is expected to be worth around US$ 7.3 billion and will be signed by the end of April, when French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu visits India.
The package also includes support, maintenance, training and the use of Indian components in manufacturing. The new fleet is expected to become operational around 2031.
The Rafale Ms will be operated from INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy’s new aircraft carrier.
The Rafale was selected in July 2023, when the Navy confirmed that the French jet had defeated the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
MiG-29Ks continue to operate from INS Vikramaditya
Initially, it was said that the MiG-29Ks would replace the Rafale, but for now the Russian fighters will continue to operate aboard India’s second aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.
According to reports, the MiG-29Ks have proven to be problematic and in low availability.
The Rafale M has only one operator, the French Navy, which is part of one of the squadrons of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
In the Indian Navy, the Dassault fighter will take off using a ramp, unlike the French ship, which is equipped with catapults.
The order should include 22 Rafale M and four Rafales DH, two-seaters, which will be used for training at land bases.
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