Article

India is negotiating with France for 31 additional Dassault Rafale M fighters for its navy, following a major order of 114 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This would bring India's total Rafale orders to 145.

Recent contracts include 36 Rafale for the IAF and 26 for the navy, with deliveries anticipated by 2030 under a domestic production initiative. The push for more Rafale M fighters reflects India's ambitions for a Blue Water Navy amid rising naval threats from China and Pakistan. The urgency in procurement is attributed to the need for enhanced air capabilities following a brief conflict with Pakistan in May 2025, which highlighted gaps in India's aerial surveillance and intelligence.