Image source: topwar.ru
Indian media reports on the Navy's preparations to receive French-made carrier-based fighters. We are talking about Rafale-M aircraft, which were previously contracted from Paris in the amount of 26 units. Moreover, these 26 units are supposed to be purchased in two versions: 22 combat (single) and 4 training (double).
The Indian press claims that India "may receive the first Rafale-M by September 2026."
At the same time, not everyone in India believes that these deadlines will be met. After all, the contract between India and France was signed less than a year ago – in April 2025. And the first delivery by September 2026 was not announced in open sources. Moreover, Indian Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced at the end of 2025 that the first four sea-based Rafale fighters would arrive in India no earlier than 2029.
Indian "optimists" believe that delivery by September of this year may concern UBS specifically. On it, Indian naval aviation pilots will allegedly begin to practice practical skills in piloting a new machine for them.
Earlier, India opted for French Rafale carrier-based fighters worth about 7.5 billion dollars for its aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. These fighters will have to displace the Russian MiG-29K, which are currently in service with the Indian Navy.
Image source: topwar.ru
Russia is offering its Indian partners a deck-based version of the Su-57, but it still needs to be created. And so far, India has not agreed to such cooperation, trying to develop its own deck version of AMCA. Therefore, the picture in the Indian Navy so far is as follows: fly the MiG-29K and continue to test the Naval Tejas, while waiting for the supply of French Rafales.
