PARIS — France and India have formally launched the long-anticipated Rafale Marine fighter jet programme, reinforcing strategic defence cooperation between the two nations.
The announcement came during the Paris Air Show, where a high-level Indian delegation met with French defence officials to initiate the next phase of bilateral naval aviation collaboration.
The French delegation was led by Lt Gen Gaël Diaz De Tuesta, Director General of Armament (DGA), while the Indian side was represented by Dinesh Kumar, Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager (Maritime Systems) in the Indian Ministry of Defence.
The Rafale Marine — a carrier-capable variant of the combat-proven Rafale fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation — is set to play a crucial role in enhancing India’s naval strike capabilities.
French officials confirmed that the talks at Le Bourget served as the formal launch of the Rafale Marine programme, following months of technical evaluation and strategic planning.
“This launch marks a new milestone in Franco-Indian defence relations,” said a senior DGA official. “The Rafale Marine will bring proven carrier-based fighter technology to the Indian Navy, drawing on the same foundation that underpins the Rafale’s success in the French Navy.”
The Indian Navy is expected to deploy the Rafale Marine aboard its new aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, which was commissioned in 2022.
The aircraft will complement India’s existing fleet of 36 Rafale fighter jets already in service with the Indian Air Force, further standardising operations and enhancing joint interoperability between India’s naval and air arms.
For France, the deal not only reaffirms the Rafale’s growing global footprint but also deepens its defence-industrial partnership with a key Indo-Pacific ally.
The collaboration builds upon the 2016 agreement under which India procured 36 Rafale jets, a deal that marked a turning point in the countries’ defence ties.
“The decision by India to select Rafale Marine demonstrates the confidence placed in French technology and our ability to support our allies in strengthening their sovereign defence capabilities,” a Dassault Aviation spokesperson told reporters at the Air Show.
The Rafale Marine is currently in service with the French Navy and is designed for catapult-assisted take-off and arrested recovery (CATOBAR) systems.
Indian carriers currently use a ski-jump (STOBAR) launch system, but recent tests and evaluations, including simulated carrier trials in Goa, have confirmed compatibility.
French defence sources indicated that the Rafale Marine agreement could pave the way for deeper joint development projects and expanded cooperation on carrier technology, maintenance, and pilot training.
The announcement at the Paris Air Show comes at a time of growing strategic convergence between Paris and New Delhi, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where both nations are seeking to uphold stability and maritime security.
In addition to the Rafale Marine talks, the Indian delegation also held discussions with French industry leaders and defence officials about ongoing and future projects in naval and aerospace sectors.
As the programme moves from formal launch to implementation, French officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring timely delivery, comprehensive support, and long-term cooperation, positioning France as a trusted strategic partner in India’s defence modernisation efforts.
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