India boosts naval power with $7.5 billion Rafale deal
India has signed a record contract with France valued at $7.5 billion for the delivery of Rafale M naval aircraft along with operational and modernization support packages for the 36 jets already in possession. We provide the details of this contract and the performance of the Rafale aircraft.
According to Naval News, India has signed an agreement with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale aircraft in the naval version. Twenty-two will be single-seat Rafale M versions, and four will be dual-seat DH versions that will operate exclusively from land. This is because a planned two-seat naval version, Rafale N, was not developed due to budget constraints.
Additionally, this historic contract between India and France includes a package of armaments, spare parts, maintenance packages, and updates for 36 Rafale aircraft currently operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deliveries of the Rafale M naval version are scheduled between 2028 and 2030, with the first unit for India expected to be showcased within 18 months.
The French Rafale M will not replace but instead complement the MiG-29K aircraft, which India plans to keep in service until the 2040s. It is also highly likely, according to reports, that India might eventually acquire a batch of additional Rafale aircraft.
Rafale M — France's export hit maritime version
The Rafale M is the maritime version of the Rafale aircraft, which first flew in the 1990s and was introduced into service in 2001. Until now, this variant has been used exclusively by France, with India becoming the second user.
The maritime M version can be easily distinguished from the land-based C version by its 13 pylons, as one space is used for an arrestor hook necessary for aircraft carrier landings. However, there are many other changes: the airframe and landing gear in the M version are significantly stronger than in the land version.
A significant advantage is that 95% of the M version’s maintenance parts are compatible with the land version (C), greatly simplifying logistics and allowing for the interchangeable use of land and maritime aviation spare parts in case of problems.
Tested in combat, such as during operations in Syria, the Rafale is noted for its excellent maneuverability and advanced sensor systems, including an IRST system and a modern radar with an active electronically scanned array. This aircraft can carry over 20,000 pounds of weaponry, which, combined with a rich arsenal, offers enormous capabilities.
An arsenal for every occasion
The options include advanced long-range air-to-air Meteor missiles, short/medium-range air-to-air MICA missiles (available in RF radar-guided or IIR heat-seeking variants), anti-ship AM 39-Exocet, Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and ASMP-A missiles with thermonuclear warheads available only to France.
This impressive arsenal significantly enhances the Rafale's combat capabilities, even though it was not designed with stealth technology. Combined with France’s relatively liberal approach to arms exports, compared to countries like the USA which require adherence to certain foreign policies, the Rafale has become the choice for many countries looking to maintain independence from American influence while acquiring equipment superior to Russian hardware.
