India tops up its Rafale warplane buy with 26 carrier-capable jets

MILAN — India and France have signed a major deal for the purchase of 26 Rafale fighter jets to equip the Indian Navy, which will become the first international user of the naval variant, underscoring the strategic relationship between the two countries.

The agreement follows India’s initial selection of the Rafale Marine in July 2023 following a series of consultations and assessments of the aircraft.