New Delhi: India is preparing to finalize what could become the largest defense procurement deal in its history, with plans to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France at an estimated cost of ₹3.25 lakh crore. The proposal, driven by the Indian Air Force’s urgent operational requirements, marks a decisive step in strengthening the country’s aerial combat capabilities amid growing regional security challenges.
The deal, currently moving through the final stages of the defense acquisition process, is expected to receive clearance from the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the coming weeks. Sources indicate that the timing of the approval is strategically aligned with high-level diplomatic engagements between India and France, underscoring the deepening defense partnership between the two nations.
The planned acquisition of 114 Rafale jets is aimed at addressing the Indian Air Force’s steadily declining squadron strength. With several ageing aircraft scheduled for retirement over the next decade, the Rafales are expected to fill a critical capability gap. The advanced multirole fighter is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, deep strike operations, precision ground attacks, and reconnaissance.
Equipped with cutting-edge avionics, advanced radar systems, and sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, the new-generation Rafales will significantly enhance the IAF’s ability to operate in contested airspace. Defense planners believe the induction of these jets will provide India with a decisive technological edge in the region.
India already operates 36 Rafale aircraft, inducted over the past few years, which have been fully integrated into the Air Force’s operational framework. In addition, the Navy has cleared the purchase of 26 Rafale-M jets for deployment on aircraft carriers. The proposed new deal will dramatically expand the Rafale fleet, making India one of the largest operators of the aircraft globally.
According to defense officials, the familiarity of Indian pilots and ground crews with the Rafale platform is a major factor behind the decision. The existing fleet has demonstrated high availability rates and operational flexibility, reinforcing confidence in the aircraft’s performance.
A key feature of the proposed agreement is its strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. A significant number of the 114 jets are expected to be assembled in India, with substantial involvement from domestic defense and aerospace companies. This approach aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, aimed at reducing dependence on imports and building a robust domestic defense industry.
Industry participation is expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs and facilitate the transfer of advanced aerospace technologies. Over time, Indian firms could become part of the global supply chain for Rafale components, strengthening the country’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Defense analysts view the Rafale deal as a major strategic signal in a rapidly evolving security environment. With tensions persisting along India’s borders and increasing military modernization by neighbouring countries, the expanded Rafale fleet is expected to significantly enhance India’s deterrence posture.
Beyond military considerations, the deal further cements the India–France strategic partnership, which spans defense, space, nuclear energy, and the Indo-Pacific region. France has emerged as one of India’s most reliable defense partners, with long-term cooperation built on trust, technology sharing, and operational compatibility.
Once the deal receives final political approval, contract negotiations and production timelines will be formalized. Deliveries are expected to be phased, with an initial batch of aircraft supplied directly from France, followed by India-assembled jets over several years.
If concluded as planned, the Rafale acquisition will not only reshape the Indian Air Force’s future force structure but also stand as a landmark moment in India’s defence procurement history combining military modernisation, industrial growth, and strategic diplomacy into a single, far-reaching agreement.