India has signed a landmark $7.4 billion defense deal with France to acquire 26 Rafale fighter jets, marking a significant shift in New Delhi’s military procurement strategy and underscoring the declining role of Russian defense exports in the region. The announcement, reported by Bloomberg, indicates India’s growing emphasis on diversifying its military partnerships amid global tensions and technological demands.
The Indian Ministry of Defence finalized the agreement for 26 Rafale Marine jets, which are set to be stationed aboard India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. The order also includes a support package for 36 Rafale fighters previously acquired by India in a 2015 deal.
The new jets will gradually replace the aging fleet of Russian MiG-29K fighters currently in service with the Indian Navy. The MiG-29Ks have faced persistent maintenance and performance challenges, leading Indian defense officials to seek alternatives with better operational readiness and lifecycle support.
India’s pivot away from Russian equipment is part of a broader trend. For decades, India was Russia’s top arms buyer, accounting for roughly 20% of all orders handled by state-owned Rosoboronexport. However, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) data shows a sharp decline in Russian defense sales to India — from 72% of India’s total arms imports between 2010–2014, to just 36% between 2020–2024.
Recent reports indicate that India has shelved plans for additional purchases of Russian Su-30 fighters and Kamov helicopters, citing supply chain concerns and operational compatibility issues.
India’s Rafale deal is part of a broader $100 billion initiative to modernize its armed forces, boost indigenous manufacturing, and reduce dependency on legacy suppliers. The strategy reflects New Delhi’s efforts to align with global defense standards, enhance interoperability with key allies, and fortify its maritime and aerial capabilities amid regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
