By Ansh Yadav 
Rafale Fighter Jets and India’s G2G Deal: A Big Step for Indian Air Power
India has always aimed to keep its defense forces strong and ready. With growing security challenges, especially from neighboring countries like China and Pakistan, India needed to boost its air power. One major step taken to do this was the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France. This deal, made directly between the Indian and French governments (called a G2G or Government-to-Government deal), has been one of the most talked-about defense agreements in recent times.
Rafale is a multi-role fighter aircraft made by Dassault Aviation, a French company. “Multi-role” means the jet can perform many types of missions — it can attack enemy aircraft, bomb targets on the ground, gather intelligence, and more. It is fast, powerful, and equipped with modern technology like radar-evading features, precision weapons, and high-end electronic warfare systems.
These jets are used by the French Air Force and Navy, and now, they are also a part of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
India’s air force had been using older jets like the MiG-21 for decades. Many of these planes were outdated, unsafe, and not capable of matching modern fighter jets used by other countries. With increasing tensions at the borders and the need for better air defense, the Indian Air Force was looking to buy new aircraft since the early 2000s.
After testing different aircraft from countries like the U.S., Russia, and Sweden, the IAF found Rafale jets to be the best match for its needs.
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In 2016, the Indian and French governments signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets. This deal was worth around 7.8 billion Euros (over Rs. 59,000 crore at the time). The reason it was done as a G2G deal was to speed up the process and ensure transparency.
Buying directly from the French government avoided middlemen and reduced the risk of corruption or delays. It also made it easier to get full support in training, spare parts, and maintenance.
- 36 Rafale Jets: India purchased 36 jets in total — 30 for the Air Force and 6 as trainers.
- Weapons Package: The deal included powerful weapons like the Meteor air-to-air missile and SCALP long-range cruise missiles.
- Support and Maintenance: France agreed to provide training, support, and spare parts for 5 years.
- India-Specific Enhancements: The jets for India were customized with extra features like Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning systems, and better communication systems.
- Make in India Support: Though the jets were made in France, the deal also involved offset clauses where French companies would invest 50% of the contract value in India, boosting Indian defense manufacturing.
The first Rafale jet was handed over to India in October 2019, and the full delivery was completed by December 2022. These jets were inducted into two IAF squadrons — the “Golden Arrows” based in Ambala, and the “Rafale Falcons” based in Hasimara, near the eastern border.
These squadrons are strategically placed — Ambala is close to Pakistan, and Hasimara is near the China border — allowing India to respond quickly to threats from both sides.
- Superior Technology: Rafale is among the best fighter jets in the world. With its modern radar and electronic systems, it gives India an edge in the skies.
- Nuclear Capability: Rafale can carry nuclear weapons, which adds strength to India’s nuclear deterrence.
- Quick Deployment: The jets can be deployed quickly in both desert and mountain terrains, which is crucial given India’s geography.
- Balance of Power: With China and Pakistan investing heavily in their air forces, the Rafale helps India maintain balance and security in the region.
The Rafale deal also became a hot topic in Indian politics. Opposition parties raised questions about the price of the jets and claimed that the deal lacked transparency. The matter even reached the Supreme Court, but the court found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Despite the political debates, defense experts and the armed forces widely welcomed the deal, saying it was much-needed and timely.
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India is now looking to buy more fighter jets to fully replace its aging fleet. There is also discussion about developing indigenous jets like the HAL Tejas Mk2 and the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). However, the Rafale deal is seen as a strong foundation that boosted India’s air power in a short time.
There have also been talks about buying 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy to operate from aircraft carriers.
The Rafale G2G deal between India and France marked a major moment in India’s defense history. It gave the Indian Air Force a much-needed upgrade and showed that the country was serious about protecting its skies. The deal not only strengthened military ties between India and France but also gave a boost to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defense.
In simple words, the Rafale jets are like strong shields in India’s sky, keeping the country safe from modern threats. And the way the deal was done — directly between the two governments — ensured that it was fast, clear, and effective.