Where will the newly acquired 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets be deployed?

The Deal:
In April 2025, India signed a ₹63,000 crore agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine jets (22 single-seat and 4 twin-seat variants). This marks India’s first acquisition of the naval version of the Rafale fighter.
Deployment:
The Rafale-M jets are specifically designed for carrier-based operations.
They will be stationed on India’s two operational aircraft carriers:
INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022).
INS Vikramaditya (a modified Kiev-class carrier acquired from Russia).
This deployment ensures that both carriers are equipped with modern, advanced fighter aircraft capable of handling maritime threats.
Strategic Importance:
The Rafale-M enhances India’s naval strike capability, providing superior air defense and maritime dominance.
It bridges the gap until India’s indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) project is ready.
With advanced avionics, weapons systems, and interoperability with the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fleet, these jets strengthen India’s overall defense posture in the Indian Ocean region.
Broader Context:
India had earlier acquired 36 Rafale jets for the Air Force in 2016.
The naval variant now ensures synergy between the Air Force and Navy, improving logistics, training, and combat readiness.
The deal also includes technology transfer, training, simulators, and long-term support, boosting India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
In summary: The 26 Rafale Marine jets will be deployed on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, significantly enhancing India’s naval aviation strength and carrier strike capabilities.