The Governments of India and France have finalized an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Aircraft, consisting of 22 Single-Seaters and four Twin-Seaters, for the Indian Navy. This agreement encompasses training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics, alongside additional equipment for the existing Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fleet.
The IGA was signed by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, with the formal exchange taking place at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, on April 28, 2025.
Rooted in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the agreement emphasizes the Transfer of Technology to facilitate the integration of indigenous weapons in India, along with plans for a Rafale fuselage production facility and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) setups for aircraft engines and systems.
The Rafale-Marine, produced by Dassault Aviation, boasts operational capabilities in maritime settings and will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, with deliveries expected by 2030.
