- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The French aerospace major said the selection of the Navy Rafale was made after a successful trial campaign in India.
By: Shubham Ghosh
DASSAULT Aviation, the French aerospace major responsible for manufacturing the Rafale aircraft, on Saturday (15) announced that the Indian government has chosen the naval variant of the Rafale jets to equip the Indian Navy with advanced fighters.
The decision follows the Indian defence ministry’s approval of the purchase of 26 Rafale (marine) jets from France. Notably, this procurement was not mentioned in the official document released after prime minister Narendra Modi’s discussions with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday (14).
“The Indian Government announced the selection of the Navy Rafale to equip the Indian Navy with a latest-generation fighter,” Dassault Aviation said in a statement.
The French major also said the selection of the Navy Rafale was made after a “successful trial campaign” in India. During the trials, the Navy Rafale demonstrated its ability to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy and was well-suited for deployment on their aircraft carrier.
The Indian Navy’s acquisition of 26 Rafale jets will complement the 36 Rafale aircraft already in service with the Indian Air Force. This makes India the first country, alongside France, to operate both versions of the aircraft. This choice aims to enhance India’s air and maritime superiority while ensuring national sovereignty, the French company added.
The newly procured Rafale jets will be deployed on the indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Dassault Aviation emphasised that the selection of Rafale further affirms the excellence and exceptional quality of their partnership with the Indian forces. The strategic relationship between India and France is of paramount importance, and this decision reinforces its significance.
Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities for their confidence in the company. He pledged that Dassault Aviation would meet the Indian Navy’s expectations with the Rafale aircraft, adding their commitment to fulfilling the partnership’s objectives. This announcement comes as both nations celebrate the 70th anniversary of their collaboration with the Indian forces.
(With agency inputs)
