BLUF

The contract for 26 Rafale jets deepens a long-standing partnership —supporting local industry and expanding India’s reach across air and sea. Replaces MiG-29’s. Future additions include collaborative aircraft. Shared systems with Indian Air Force.

Learning Outcomes
• Recognise regional influences and partnerships — The article shows how India and France are deepening strategic ties through advanced defence acquisitions.
• Identify how technology shapes future capability — It discusses Rafale’s evolving systems, local integration, and unmanned platforms being developed for future missions.
• Understand how systems and resources influence outcomes — The focus on local manufacturing, maintenance and logistics highlights broader operational impact beyond the purchase.

References