India signs deal to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets from France

India strengthens its military capabilities with a new Rafale fighter jet purchase amid rising regional tensions.

French Rafale fighter jets are seen on the main deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Photo by Punit Pranjpe/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

India has finalized a significant new defense contract by signing an agreement to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France, the country's defense ministry announced on Monday. This India Rafale fighter jets deal marks another major step in New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen its military forces amid growing security challenges.

The multi-billion-dollar deal includes both single-seater and twin-seater aircraft and follows India’s previous acquisition of 36 Rafale jets, which were delivered between 2019 and 2022. These new jets are expected to operate primarily from India’s domestically manufactured aircraft carriers, eventually replacing the aging fleet of Russian-made MiG-29K fighter jets.

In an official statement, India’s Ministry of Defence said, “The governments of India and France have signed an inter-governmental agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft. This deal includes training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics.”

The agreement outlines the delivery of 22 single-seat jets and four twin-seat variants. It also covers additional upgrades and equipment for India's existing fleet of Rafale fighter aircraft, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

A growing partnership with France

The India Rafale fighter jets deal further solidifies the strategic defense relationship between India and France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first announced the intention to procure these additional aircraft during his visit to Paris for Bastille Day celebrations in 2023.

Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace company that manufactures the Rafale, praised the agreement. In a statement, Dassault said the new Rafale jets would provide India with "state-of-the-art capabilities" and "an active role in guaranteeing national sovereignty and consolidating India’s role as a major international player."

Notably, India's navy will become the first operator outside France to deploy the Rafale Marine variant, strengthening its air power at sea.

Historically, India has depended heavily on Russia for military hardware. However, over the past decade, New Delhi has diversified its defense procurement sources, increasingly purchasing advanced equipment from France, the United States, and Israel.

This strategic shift has been driven by several factors, including concerns about over-reliance on a single supplier, technological modernization goals, and geopolitical considerations.

India’s latest Rafale deal is part of this broader effort to build stronger defense ties with Western allies while reducing dependence on Russia, especially amid the evolving global political landscape.

Rising tensions with Pakistan

The timing of the India Rafale fighter jets deal is significant. It comes at a moment of heightened tensions between India and its long-standing rival Pakistan. In recent weeks, relations between the two countries have worsened following a deadly attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, an incident that killed 26 men.

New Delhi has accused Islamabad of supporting the militants responsible for the attack, allegations that Pakistan firmly denies. The aftermath has seen diplomatic expulsions, exchanges of gunfire across borders, and heightened military alertness on both sides.

Analysts warn that the situation risks spiraling into further military confrontation if not managed carefully.

Beyond Pakistan, India’s growing concerns about China's military ambitions have also spurred a rapid modernization of its armed forces. The deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the disputed Himalayan border in 2020 served as a wake-up call, leading to a series of defense reforms.

Since then, India has embarked on major initiatives to boost its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities while securing high-tech weaponry from global suppliers.

In recent years, India has launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier, inaugurated a new helicopter manufacturing plant, and conducted a successful test of a long-range hypersonic missile.

This comprehensive push has begun to transform India into a more self-reliant defense producer, although it still remains one of the world’s largest arms importers.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounted for nearly 10 percent of global arms imports between 2019 and 2023, underscoring its critical role in the global defense market.

India’s ambitions are not limited to imports. The country has been aggressively promoting its domestic arms industry as part of the “Make in India” initiative. In 2023, India’s defense exports reached $2.63 billion — a small figure compared to established exporters like the United States and Russia, but a remarkable 30-fold increase over the past decade.

By combining local manufacturing with strategic imports like the Rafale fighter jets, India hopes to achieve greater military self-sufficiency while boosting its global standing as an emerging defense exporter.

Closer ties with Western allies

In addition to France, India has deepened its military cooperation with other Western powers, particularly through its participation in the Quad alliance alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia. This growing network of alliances reflects India's broader strategy to counterbalance China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The India Rafale fighter jets deal also sends a clear signal of India’s readiness to invest heavily in cutting-edge military technologies, bolstering its capabilities in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios. 

The delivery of the new Rafale fighter jets will likely unfold over the next several years, gradually enhancing the Indian Navy’s and Air Force’s operational flexibility and deterrence posture.

While the purchase reinforces India’s defense preparedness in an increasingly volatile neighborhood, it also highlights the country’s evolving role on the global stage — not just as an arms buyer, but as an assertive power seeking to shape its own security destiny.

As tensions with Pakistan and China persist, the India Rafale fighter jets deal could play a pivotal role in defining the country's strategic future for the next decade.