Indian Navy opts for Rafale over F/A-18E/F to replace Fulcrum fleet

New Delhi has formally announced the selection of the Rafale Marine (M) multi-role fighter to replace the Indian Navy’s ageing Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29K/KUB Fulcrum-D fleet, marking a major export boost for Dassault Aviation and another loss for Boeing’s continued push to sell more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. Held under the chairmanship of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) formally approved the procurement of 26 Rafale M fighters and associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulators, documentation, spares and repair parts