India has taken a bold step forward by signing a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France on April 28, 2025, for 26 Rafale Marine (M) fighter jets. Inked in Delhi, this agreement strengthens the Indian Navy’s airpower at a time when tensions with Pakistan are high after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.

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The Rafale M jets, designed for operations on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, will replace the outdated MiG-29K fleet, giving India a massive edge in maritime and aerial warfare. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets, a mix of single-seat and twin-seat variants, guarding our skies against Pakistan and China. But has the government’s delay in finalising this naval deal left us exposed? And what could have been different if these jets were already in our hands? Let’s explore why this deal is a proud moment for India and how it reshapes our defence strategy.

The Rafale M is a top-tier fighter jet, a 4.5-generation, omni-role aircraft built for air dominance, precision strikes, and maritime missions. Armed with cutting-edge weapons like Meteor long-range missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and SCALP cruise missiles, it can strike deep into enemy territory with unmatched accuracy. Designed for Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations, the Rafale M has reinforced landing gear and arrestor hooks, making it ideal for INS Vikrant. Compared to Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10 and J-15 jets, the Rafale M is far superior in technology and firepower. In a conflict with Pakistan, these jets could rule the skies and even target key locations like Karachi in minutes, as defence experts suggest. This makes them a powerful deterrent against Pakistan’s provocations, especially after the Pahalgam attack that killed 28 people. The Rafale M’s versatility ensures India is ready to tackle threats on land or at sea.

The Rafale family, developed by Dassault Aviation, comes in three main variants: Rafale C (single-seat for air forces), Rafale B (twin-seat for air forces), and Rafale M (single-seat for naval operations). The Rafale C and B are built for land-based missions, excelling in air-to-air combat and ground strikes, while the Rafale M is tailored for carrier-based operations with features like a stronger undercarriage and corrosion resistance for sea missions. India operates two variants for the Air Force: 26 single-seat Rafale C jets and 10 twin-seat Rafale B jets, acquired in 2016 for Rs 59,000 crore. These jets, stationed at Ambala (facing Pakistan) and Hasimara (facing China), are customised with India-specific enhancements like helmet-mounted displays and cold-weather capabilities for Himalayan operations. The 26 Rafale M jets for the Navy will complement the IAF’s fleet, creating a unified Rafale ecosystem that shares maintenance and logistics, boosting efficiency and cutting costs.

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The timing of the Rafale M deal is crucial. Pakistan’s support for terrorism, combined with its growing military ties with China, keeps India on high alert. China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean, with three operational aircraft carriers, adds another challenge. The Rafale M jets will not only counter Pakistan’s provocations but also show China that India is serious about protecting its maritime interests. The IAF’s 36 Rafale jets already provide a strong defence against both neighbours, and the Navy’s Rafale M jets will extend this strength to the seas. This deal is a proud testament to India’s commitment to modernising its military and standing tall against its adversaries. By integrating the Rafale M with the IAF’s single-seat and twin-seat Rafale jets, India is building a formidable force that can operate seamlessly across air and naval domains.

But has the government made a mistake by delaying this deal? The Rafale M acquisition process began in 2017 under the Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighter program, with trials in Goa comparing the Rafale M to Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet. The Navy chose the Rafale M for its technical superiority and compatibility with the IAF’s Rafale fleet. However, bureaucratic hurdles and tough price negotiations slowed things down. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the deal on April 9, 2025, but it took years to reach this point. Critics argue that faster action could have had these jets operational by now, addressing the Navy’s shortage of carrier-based fighters. The MiG-29K fleet, troubled by technical issues and crashes, has left a gap in our naval airpower. A quicker deal could have ensured India was better prepared for the current tensions with Pakistan.

Imagine if the Rafale M jets were already in service. With 26 jets deployed on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, alongside the IAF’s 36 single-seat and twin-seat Rafale jets, India’s air and naval power would be unmatched in the region. After the Pahalgam attack, these jets could have patrolled the Arabian Sea, conducted reconnaissance, and responded swiftly to any aggression. Their ability to carry nuclear-capable weapons would have sent a strong message to Pakistan, discouraging any misadventure. The combined might of all Rafale variants would have boosted the morale of our forces and the nation, showing India’s readiness to defend itself. A fully operational Rafale fleet could have made Pakistan think twice before escalating tensions, potentially preventing further provocations.

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Despite the delay, the government deserves credit for securing this deal at a reduced cost through tough negotiations. The Rs 63,000 crore package includes weapons, simulators, training, and logistics support. Aligned with “Make in India,” Dassault may establish a final assembly line in India for future orders, creating jobs and boosting defense manufacturing. The government’s push to finalise the deal after the Pahalgam attack shows its focus on national security. While the first Rafale M jets won’t arrive until late 2028, with full delivery by 2031, their strategic impact will be massive. The combination of single-seat, twin-seat, and naval Rafale jets ensures India’s military is future-ready.

In conclusion, the Rafale M deal is a proud milestone, strengthening India’s Navy and complementing the IAF’s 36 Rafale jets. The delay was a setback, but the government’s strategic vision has secured a cost-effective deal that enhances our defense capabilities. With 62 Rafale jets across three variants, India is building a powerful force to counter Pakistan and China. This deal is not just about 26 naval jets; it’s about India’s resolve to rise as a global power, protecting its people and sovereignty. Jai Hind!

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.