Indian Navy to Receive First Rafale M Jets by 2029: Modernization Milestone
India’s naval aviation capability is undergoing a historic transformation. The Indian Navy will receive its first four Rafale M carrier-based fighters by 2029, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced in early December 2025, setting a clear milestone for the modernization of India’s carrier air wing. India’s €7.4 billion order for 26 Rafale M aircraft, formally signed in April 2025, represents a decisive shift from the Navy’s aging MiG-29K fleet. The contract encompasses 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers, with subsequent deliveries phased through 2030 and 2031.