Dassault Aviation has formally welcomed the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) signed between India and France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets by the Indian Navy. The deal marks a key development in the 70-year defence partnership between the two countries. Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for their confidence in the company, reaffirming Dassault’s commitment to bolstering India's sovereignty, strategic readiness, and long-term defence ambitions.

Tracing Dassault’s history in India back to the induction of the Toofany aircraft nearly 70 years ago, Trappier reiterated the firm’s active participation in India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ missions. Signed in New Delhi by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the agreement includes 22 single-seat and 4 twin-seat Rafale Marine jets. The comprehensive package also covers training, simulators, associated systems, armaments, and a five-year performance-based logistics support plan.

In addition to boosting the Indian Navy, the deal includes equipment upgrades for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet. Valued at around $7.4 billion (₹630 billion), the deliveries are scheduled from 2028 to 2030, with pilot training taking place in both nations. A central element of the agreement is technology transfer, facilitating the integration of indigenous weapon systems onto the Rafale Marine in India. It also includes plans for local production of fuselage components and the setup of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons.

This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and drive significant economic benefits for India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), supporting the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) agenda. Once inducted, the Indian Navy will be the first foreign user of the Rafale Marine, leveraging operational insights from the French Navy. These new jets will complement the 36 Rafales already in service with the Indian Air Force, greatly enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities and reinforcing national security. The induction of Rafale Marine aircraft is also seen as a timely strategic move amid growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean region. Beyond bolstering India’s defence posture, the deal further cements the India-France strategic alliance, highlighting mutual confidence and a shared commitment to regional and global security.