India’s historic $7.5 billion agreement with France for 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets, signed on April 28, 2025, marks a major milestone in Indo-French defence cooperation and a decisive move to modernize the Indian Navy’s carrier aviation capabilities.

The deal, the largest ever between the two countries, aims to equip India’s two aircraft carriers-INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya-with advanced, multi-role fighters to counter China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean.

The Rafale-M Package: What India Gets

The contract covers 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets for carrier operations and four twin-seat trainer variants for land-based use. Beyond the aircraft, the package includes:

Advanced weapons (Meteor, Exocet, SCALP, and integration of Indian-made Astra and Rudram missiles)
Simulators and comprehensive crew training in both India and France
A five-year performance-based logistics support program
Technology transfer, including local production facilities for fuselage and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centres for engines, sensors, and weapons
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-2028 and conclude by 2030.

Price Tag and Cost-Effectiveness Debate

At approximately $288 million per aircraft, the Rafale-M deal stands out as one of the most expensive fighter jet acquisitions globally. This figure is significantly higher than the base prices of several fifth-generation and fourth-generation rivals:

AircraftApproximate Unit Cost (USD)
Rafale-M$288 million (package)
F-35C (US Navy)$120–150 million (base); $200–250 million (fully equipped)
F/A-18 Super Hornet$70–100 million
Su-35 (Russia)$85 million

Critics argue that India is paying a premium for a 4.5-generation fighter when fifth-generation options like the F-35C, with stealth and sensor fusion, are available at similar or lower prices. However, the Rafale-M’s cost reflects not just the aircraft, but also the extensive support, weapons, training, infrastructure, and technology transfer included in the package.

Strategic And Operational Rationale

India’s decision is shaped by urgent operational needs and strategic considerations:

Carrier Compatibility: The Rafale-M is specifically designed for carrier operations, with reinforced landing gear, folding wings, and tail-hook for STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) carriers like INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya.

Fleet Modernisation: The Navy’s current MiG-29K fleet, inducted between 2009 and 2014, faces persistent maintenance and serviceability issues, worsened by Russia’s war in Ukraine and resulting supply chain disruptions.

Logistical Commonality: The Rafale-M shares significant components and support infrastructure with the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fleet, streamlining training, maintenance, and spares.

Indigenous Integration: The deal supports India’s “Make in India” initiative by integrating Indian weapons and establishing local production and MRO facilities.

Capabilities And Comparison

The Rafale-M is a highly capable multi-role fighter, excelling in air superiority, strike, anti-ship, and reconnaissance roles.

Key features include:

Twin Safran M88-2 engines (Mach 1.8 top speed, >1,850 km combat range with external tanks)

AESA radar and Spectra electronic warfare suite for advanced detection and survivability

High payload capacity (up to 9,500 kg on 13 hard-points)

Advanced Western And Indian Weapons Integration

While the F-35C offers superior stealth, sensor fusion, and first-look/first-shot capability, the Rafale-M is praised for its manoeuvrability, sustained turn performance, and operational flexibility. The choice reflects India’s immediate carrier needs, logistical priorities, and desire for strategic autonomy.

Strategic And Operational Impact

China’s rapid naval expansion, with three operational aircraft carriers and a growing fleet of carrier-based fighters, has heightened India’s sense of urgency. The Indian Navy’s ability to project air power at sea is seen as a critical deterrent in the Indian Ocean, where China is increasing its presence through bases and partnerships.

The Rafale-M’s induction is seen as a critical force multiplier for the Indian Navy, enhancing its ability to project power and secure vital sea lanes amid intensifying Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions. The aircraft’s advanced avionics, long-range weaponry, and robust electronic warfare suite provide a significant leap over the ageing MiG-29K fleet, offering improved survivability, precision strike capability, and operational flexibility from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The deal also includes comprehensive support packages-covering weapons, simulators, spares, training, and logistics-to ensure sustained operational readiness.

Technological Capabilities And Limitations

While the Rafale-M is a proven fourth-generation-plus platform, it falls short of true fifth-generation standards exemplified by the U.S. F-35C. The F-35C boasts superior stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities, enabling deep penetration in contested airspace with reduced detectability. In contrast, the Rafale-M compensates for its lack of low-observable features with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and open software architecture, which allows for upgrades such as improved radar warning receivers and low-band jammers-capabilities specifically requested by India. However, the Rafale’s 1990s-era airframe inherently limits its adaptability compared to newer stealth designs.

The Rafale-M deal is emblematic of India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term ambitions for indigenous defence production. The contract includes provisions for technology transfer, local production, and maintenance facilities, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative and fostering partnerships with Indian industry, notably the Reliance Group. This is expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster the domestic defence ecosystem.

France’s willingness to share technology and support local integration distinguishes its approach from that of the U.S., which remains cautious about transferring sensitive technologies such as source codes. This aspect of the deal not only strengthens India’s defence industrial base but also positions France as a key partner in India’s maritime security architecture, challenging U.S. dominance in the high-end arms market and signalling a broader realignment in the Indo-Pacific.

Cost, Alternatives, And Future Prospects

At $7.5 billion, the Rafale-M acquisition has sparked debate over cost-effectiveness. Critics argue that India could have opted for a larger fleet of F/A-18 Super Hornets or accelerated indigenous programs like the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) or the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Air Force. However, the indigenous TEDBF remains at least a decade away from operational status, making the Rafale-M an essential interim solution to bridge the capability gap.

By 2030, India will operate 62 Rafales-36 for the Air Force and 26 for the Navy-streamlining logistics, training, and aerial refuelling through shared systems, and enhancing joint operational capability. The integration of indigenous weapons and the establishment of local production facilities further future-proof the investment, even as emerging technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, and sixth-generation fighters begin to reshape the nature of air combat.

Conclusion

India’s Rafale-M deal is a calculated response to pressing operational gaps and regional security challenges. While the high cost has sparked debate, the comprehensive package-spanning aircraft, weapons, training, support, and technology transfer-addresses both immediate and long-term needs. The acquisition not only strengthens India’s maritime air power but also deepens Indo-French strategic ties and supports indigenous defence ambitions.

IDN (With Inputs From International Media)