India seeks to bolster naval air power with extra Rafale-M fighters amid regional tensions.
ISLAMABAD: The Modi government has formally requested France to supply 31 additional Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy, according to a report by French outlet La Tribune published on February 15, 2026.
This request comes shortly after India’s Defence Acquisition Council cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale multi-role fighters for the Indian Air Force in a major deal valued at billions of dollars.
If finalised, the additional 31 Rafale-M variants would bring the Indian Navy’s total fleet of these carrier-based aircraft to 57.
That number would surpass France’s own naval Rafale fleet, which currently stands at around 41 aircraft.
The development underscores the deepening defence ties between India and France, building on previous agreements.
In April 2025, the two countries signed an inter-governmental agreement worth approximately Rs 63,000 crore for 26 Rafale-M jets.
Those 26 include 22 single-seat variants optimised for carrier operations and four twin-seat trainers.
The jets are intended primarily for deployment on India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the refurbished INS Vikramaditya.
The recent request for 31 more stems from the Indian Navy’s long-standing projection of requirements identified several years ago.
Defence analysts note that the Navy has consistently sought a larger carrier air wing to enhance operational flexibility in the Indian Ocean region.
The Rafale-M, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, features strengthened landing gear, folding wings and arrestor hook for carrier landings.
It offers advanced avionics, beyond-visual-range missiles and multi-role capabilities including air superiority, strike and reconnaissance missions.
India’s push for more Rafales aligns with efforts to modernise its armed forces amid evolving security challenges.
The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale jets acquired in a 2016 deal worth Euro 7.87 billion.
With the proposed 114 additional for the IAF, India’s total Rafale orders could reach 145 if both deals proceed.
This would make India one of the largest operators of the French fighter outside France itself.
The La Tribune report highlights that while the request has been made, the final contract remains far from certain.
Negotiations could advance during French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to New Delhi later in February 2026.
Macron’s trip is expected to focus on technology, artificial intelligence and defence cooperation.
Experts suggest the additional naval order could include provisions for technology transfer and local manufacturing in India.
This fits India’s broader “Make in India” initiative in defence production.
The Indian Navy’s carrier aviation has historically relied on MiG-29K fighters acquired from Russia.
However, integration issues and maintenance challenges have prompted diversification towards Western platforms.
The Rafale-M is seen as a more reliable and capable option with superior sensor fusion and electronic warfare systems.
Regional dynamics play a key role in this acquisition drive.
India faces growing maritime assertiveness from China in the Indian Ocean and along disputed boundaries.
Strengthening carrier strike groups is viewed as essential for power projection and sea control.
The proposed expansion would allow India to field larger air wings on its carriers, improving sortie generation rates.
Defence ministry sources indicate that preliminary approvals for major acquisitions often lead to detailed commercial negotiations.
The 114-jet IAF deal, cleared in early February 2026, includes missiles and other systems under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme.
It addresses the IAF’s squadron shortfall, currently at around 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42.
Similar concerns exist in naval aviation, where carrier-based squadrons need augmentation.
If approved, the 31 additional Rafale-M could be delivered in phases, with associated logistics and training support.
The overall Rafale ecosystem in India would benefit from economies of scale in spares, simulators and upgrades.
France has positioned the Rafale as a proven platform with combat experience in operations across Libya, Mali and Syria.
Indian pilots have praised its performance since induction in the IAF.
The potential mega-order reinforces France’s position as a key defence partner for India.
Bilateral defence trade has grown significantly since the 2016 Rafale deal.
Joint exercises and technology collaborations further cement this strategic relationship.
While no official confirmation has come from New Delhi or Paris yet, the La Tribune disclosure has sparked discussions in defence circles.
Observers await developments during Macron’s visit for clearer indications.
The request reflects India’s strategic priority to enhance blue-water naval capabilities.
It also signals confidence in the Rafale platform for long-term service.
As negotiations progress, the focus will remain on cost, delivery timelines and localisation content.
This could shape the future trajectory of Indo-French defence cooperation.