Rafale jets : India has taken a major step to bolster its air combat capabilities, as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets in a deal valued at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, sources confirmed. Led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, this acquisition is set to significantly strengthen the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) long-term modernization plans.
This move follows the earlier induction of 36 Rafale jets from France under a previous agreement, marking a substantial expansion of India’s advanced fighter fleet.
Rafale Acquisition and Naval Expansion
The Ministry of Defence has also approved the purchase of six P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy. With this addition, the Navy’s fleet will expand from 12 to 18 P-8I aircraft. The deal, valued at approximately $3 billion (₹27,000 crore), is the first defence contract between India and France following the recent US-India trade pact.
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This acquisition forms part of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, which has faced delays over the years. India is expected to secure the Rafale F4 variant via a government-to-government agreement with France, with the formal signing likely during French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
Beyond the Aircraft
The contract covers 88 single-seat fighters and 26 twin-seat trainer jets, all designed for land-based operations. In addition to the jets themselves, the deal includes advanced weapons systems, simulators, spare parts, training facilities, and long-term maintenance and logistical support. Notably, this procurement is separate from the Navy’s acquisition of 26 Rafale-M jets for aircraft carrier deployment.
India as a Rafale jets Hub
The agreement also positions India as a key hub for Rafale jets production, maintenance, and upgrades. Upon completion of all deliveries, the IAF’s Rafale fleet will expand to nearly 150 jets. Combined with the Navy’s 26 Rafale-M aircraft, India’s total inventory will reach around 176 Rafales, further cementing its position as a leading operator of this advanced fighter platform.