DELHI- The Defence Ministry has begun reviewing a proposal by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under the “Made in India” framework in partnership with Dassault Aviation.
The $22.65 billion (Rs. 2 lakh crore) deal would mark one of India’s largest defence acquisitions, with more than 60 percent of the aircraft’s systems to be manufactured domestically.
The Rafales will be deployed at key IAF bases, including Ambala Air Force Station, strengthening India’s operational readiness along sensitive frontiers.
The move aims to expand India’s airpower, complementing both imported and indigenous combat aircraft already in service.
Photo- PexelsIndia $22 Billion Deal for Rafale Jets
If approved, the deal will raise India’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft. This includes 36 jets already inducted by the IAF and 36 ordered separately for the Indian Navy under government to government agreements.
The proposal will first be considered by the Defence Procurement Board, led by the Defence Secretary, before advancing to the Defence Acquisition Council for final clearance.
The Rafale’s operational record has strongly influenced this proposal. During Operation Sindoor, the aircraft’s advanced Spectra electronic warfare suite reportedly outclassed Chinese PL-15 long-range missiles.
The new batch of India assembled Rafales is expected to integrate next generation air to ground missiles, extending beyond the Scalp system used in past precision strikes.
Photo: By Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) – Rafale – RIAT 2009, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27816011Industrial Collaboration and Technology Transfer
Dassault Aviation has pledged to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub for Rafale’s M-88 engines in Hyderabad.
This facility, alongside existing Indian aerospace firms, will reduce dependence on overseas servicing and improve aircraft availability.
The project is expected to generate high-skilled jobs while fostering deeper technology transfer.
Indian partners such as Tata are likely to contribute significantly to manufacturing and integration, ensuring robust domestic participation.
This partnership aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, positioning India not just as a buyer but also as a co-producer of advanced fighter jets.
Photo- Dassault AviationBuilding a Balanced IAF Fleet
The IAF views this acquisition as essential to strengthening its fleet alongside other platforms. The Su-30 MKI, a heavy class fighter, remains a backbone of the force.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A, with 180 units ordered, represents India’s push for indigenous capability.
Beyond 2035, a fifth generation fighter program is expected to enter service, adding stealth and advanced avionics to the arsenal.
By combining Rafales with indigenous fighters, India aims to maintain a balanced, multi-role airpower structure capable of meeting regional security challenges. The proposed deal reflects both immediate operational needs and long term strategic planning.
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