The Indian Ministry of Defence’s Acquisition Council recently gave the green light for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine jets, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing negotiations with Dassault Aviation. This purchase is part of India’s efforts to modernize its navy, which aims to replace its Russian-made MiG-29Ks with more capable, multirole fighter-bombers suited to the growing strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Negotiation Context
The choice of the Rafale Marine was confirmed in July 2023, following a comparative evaluation against Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, under the Multi Role Carrier Borne Fighters (MRCBF) program. Contract negotiations between Dassault Aviation, Thales, Safran, and Indian authorities began in November 2023, with the submission of a “letter of request.” The contract, estimated at over 6 billion euros, includes options to integrate Indian-made equipment, such as the Astra air-to-air missile, and specific modifications to meet the needs of the Indian Navy. This flexibility has been a key advantage for Dassault in its negotiations.
Challenges and Progress in Negotiations
Despite the initial approval, the contract’s conclusion is not yet certain. The Indian process requires a review by a cost negotiation committee, a procedure that is often complex and prolonged. Among the adjustments, India dropped the idea of integrating an AESA radar developed by the DRDO, due to prohibitive costs and the risk of further delays.
Additionally, friction remains with MBDA, Dassault’s European missile partner, which is negotiating certain clauses related to missile pricing, particularly concerning inflation. This situation is delaying the final agreement, but discussions are progressing under the supervision of the French Ministry of Armed Forces.
Benefits for the Indian Navy
Acquiring the Rafale Marine will allow the Indian Navy to equip its indigenous aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, thereby enhancing its defense and attack capabilities in open seas. The Rafale Marine, featuring advanced catapult and landing technology with titanium landing gear, is particularly well-suited for Indian naval operations.
With a payload capacity of over 9 tons of weaponry, including air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, and electronic warfare systems, the Rafale Marine stands out for its versatility. It is also equipped with the RBE2 radar with an active antenna, offering detection and tracking of multiple targets at long distances, a strategic advantage in the face of regional threats.
A key objective of this acquisition is to ensure a homogeneous fleet, facilitating maintenance and joint operations with the Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force, and to enhance the Indian Navy’s resilience against rapidly evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific.
With the addition of these 26 aircraft, total Rafale sales would reach 323 units, a symbolic figure surpassing the export record of the Mirage 2000. For Dassault Aviation, this contract would further cement the Rafale’s status as one of the best-selling and most capable fighter-bombers on the international market.