India boosts naval strength with €7.97 billion Rafale jets from France
India has decided to purchase 26 French Rafale M fighter jets for €7.97 billion, replacing the Russian MiG-29K. According to SIPRI, France has become the second-largest arms exporter globally, overtaking Russia.
India has completed negotiations to acquire 26 French Rafale M fighter jets for its navy. As reported by the United24media portal, the €7.97 billion deal aims to replace the ageing fleet of Russian MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB. The contract will be signed in April during the French Defence Minister's visit to India.
France overtakes Russia in arms exports
According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), France has become the second-largest arms exporter in the world, overtaking Russia. French arms exports increased by 47% from 2019 to 2023. Meanwhile, Russian arms exports dropped by 47% in 2024 compared to 2022.
Despite the fall in exports, Russia remains the largest arms supplier to India, accounting for 38% of Russian exports. However, France is rapidly gaining significance, with nearly 30% of its exports directed to India.
Increased demand for Rafale
Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, has observed a rise in global demand for its jets. This demand is attributed to the war in Ukraine and uncertainty regarding future U.S. military assistance to Europe. By 2025, the company plans to deliver 25 Rafale jets and 40 Falcon aircraft.
However, France is experiencing production challenges. Dassault Aviation can produce 25 Rafale jets annually, whereas American Lockheed Martin plans to deliver 190 F-35s in 2024. This highlights the differences in the two companies' production capabilities.
