Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: India’s recent agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) aircraft for its naval fleet is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s defence posture and exert strategic pressure on Pakistan, especially following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, according to defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava.
The procurement deal, finalized amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions, marks a major enhancement in India’s maritime and air combat capabilities.
“During such a time, when there is a lot of tension going on between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, the signing of this deal is going to mount pressure on Pakistan… In the coming days, whatever action India takes against Pakistan, Rafale will play a key role,”
— Srivastava told ANI on Thursday.
He stressed that the timing of the deal carries both psychological and strategic implications, signaling India’s readiness and resolve.
“This deal will strengthen India’s defence position against Pakistan, and it will keep pressure on them also… The aircraft will be operating from India’s two aircraft carriers, which are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030. But this has happened amid tension and it will, without any doubt, keep the adversaries under pressure,”
— he added.
The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) signed on Monday between India and France involves:
- 22 single-seat Rafale M aircraft
- 4 twin-seat Rafale D aircraft
- Training, simulators, weapons, equipment, and a five-year Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) support package
It also includes additional support equipment for the existing Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fleet.
According to the Embassy of France, the signing ceremony was jointly led by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou and Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, attended by senior military and industry officials from both nations.
The Rafale M, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is a carrier-based multirole fighter known for its combat effectiveness. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030 and will operate from INS Vikrant, alongside the existing MiG-29K fleet.
India currently operates 36 Rafale jets under a separate 2016 deal for the Indian Air Force, stationed at Ambala and Hasimara. With the new procurement, India’s Rafale fleet will rise to 62 aircraft, significantly bolstering its 4.5-generation fighter strength.