India is close to finalising its largest-ever defence deal, with the Indian Air Force set to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme. Valued at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, the proposal is expected to receive clearance from the Ministry of Defence shortly, ahead of French President **Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India.
Once approved, this agreement will become the biggest weapons purchase in India’s history. A key highlight of the deal is its strong focus on domestic manufacturing, with nearly 100 aircraft likely to be produced in India. This will involve the transfer of advanced fighter jet technologies and the creation of long-term industrial partnerships, strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem under the Make in India initiative.
The Rafale is a twin-engine, multi-role combat aircraft known for its air superiority, deep-strike, and precision attack capabilities. With this order, India will become one of the largest operators of the Rafale outside France, significantly enhancing its air combat strength.
India already operates 36 Rafale ‘C’ variants, with the final aircraft delivered in December 2024. These jets are deployed with the Golden Arrows squadron at Ambala and the Falcons squadron at Hasimara in West Bengal. In addition, India has ordered 26 Rafale ‘M’ naval variants in a separate ₹63,000 crore deal, which includes trainer aircraft, logistics support, maintenance facilities, and personnel training. Deliveries under this contract are expected to be completed by 2030.
The Rafale fleet has already seen operational use with the Indian Air Force. The aircraft were deployed during Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and have also been used during operations in Ladakh. The jets are equipped with advanced weapons such as the SCALP long-range cruise missile, Meteor air-to-air missiles, Hammer precision strike weapons, and the Spectra electronic warfare system, giving them a decisive edge in modern combat scenarios.
In parallel, India and France have strengthened defence cooperation through major technology transfer agreements between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. Under this collaboration, a new manufacturing facility is being set up in Hyderabad to produce key structural components of the Rafale. The first fuselage sections are expected to roll out by 2028, with a target of producing two complete fuselages per month, helping speed up deliveries for the Indian armed forces.
Alongside foreign acquisitions, India continues to invest in indigenous fighter development. The Navy is planning to induct twin-engine, deck-based fifth-generation fighters being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which will complement the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme for the Air Force.
Overall, the proposed Rafale deal represents a major leap in India’s defence preparedness, combining cutting-edge global technology with domestic manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing India’s strategic position in the region.
