At $7.6 billion, this is the Indian military’s costliest defense purchase everBy Ajai Shukla7th April 2025In April 28, India will sign a contract with the French company, Dassault Aviation, for 26 Rafale Marine fighters. With the first 36 Rafales sporting IAF roundels by 2022, New Delhi announced on July 13, 2023, that the Indian Navy too would acquire 26 Rafale fighters. The 2016 France-India contract for 36 Rafale fighters catered for special features – termed “India Specific Equipment” or ISE – to be developed for fitting onto the 36 Indian Rafales. The cost of development and fitment into the Rafale fighter was paid for by India. Now, there will be no extra cost for the ISE being fitted into the Rafale Marine fighters being bought.