India signs $7.4bn deal to acquire Rafale jets amid IIOJK tensions

India has signed a $7.4 billion agreement with France to purchase 26 Rafale fighter aircraft for its navy, the Indian defence ministry announced on Monday.

Under the deal, India will acquire 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation. The delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for completion by 2030, with Indian crews currently undergoing training in France and India.

According to the ministry, the deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and benefit numerous local businesses. Approved earlier this month by India's security cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the purchase strengthens India's defence ties with France, its second-largest arms supplier.

The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale fighters, while the navy primarily flies Russian-origin MiG-29 jets. This new acquisition is part of India’s broader efforts to modernize its military, reduce reliance on Russian weaponry, and enhance domestic arms production, especially amid ongoing border tensions with Pakistan and China.

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India has also expressed concerns over China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, where Beijing maintains a military base in Djibouti and operates dual-purpose vessels. The Rafale deal further extends India's longstanding military relationship with France, which includes previous acquisitions such as Mirage 2000 jets and Scorpene-class submarines.