India has completed negotiations to purchase 26 French Rafale M fighter jets for its navy. As reported by the United24media portal, the $8.3 billion deal aims to replace the aging fleet of Russian MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB jets. The contract is set to be signed in April during the visit of the French Defense Minister 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 drop in exports, Russia remains the largest arms supplier to India, accounting for 38% of its exports. However, France is rapidly gaining significance, with nearly 30% of its exports directed to India.
Increased demand for Rafale
The manufacturer of the Rafale, Dassault Aviation, has noted a rise in global demand for its fighter jets due to the war in Ukraine and uncertainty regarding future U.S. military assistance to Europe. The company plans to deliver 25 Rafale jets and 40 Falcon aircraft in 2025.
However, France is experiencing production challenges. Dassault Aviation can produce 25 Rafale jets annually, whereas American company Lockheed Martin plans to deliver 190 F-35s in 2024. This highlights the differences in production capabilities between the two companies.
