India is streamlining its largest purchase of fighter aircraft as the Ministry of Defence begins analysing the Indian Air Force’s request for 114 Rafale jets. The Indian Air Force plans to construct the fighters in India with Dassault Aviation and other major Indian partners, including Tata. The total estimated project cost of the aircraft ranges from Rs 2 lakh crore and Rs 3.25 lakh crore, depending on the final shape and indigenous content.
Officials confirmed that the Defense Procurement Board will be the first body to evaluate this proposal, after which, it will be submitted to the Defense Acquisition Council, and ultimately, it will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security for their approval. The IAF intends to procure 12–18 jets in fly-away condition and manufacture the remainder of the aircraft domestically.
India Seeks Local Integration and Stronger Performance
France established a governmental agreement that allows the inclusion of Indian weapons and the ability to develope the Indian defense systems into the Rafale aircraft. Although France retains the authority of the source codes, discussions continue regarding the use of Indian weapons within the Rafale aircraft. Furthermore, the IAF is seeking advanced long-range air-to-surface missiles that exceed the capabilities of the former Scalp missiles that were previously used.
The impetus for this effort created by the role of the Rafale in Operation Sindoor, in which the Rafale was able to successfully use its Spectra electronic warfare device to counter the Chinese PL-15 missile system. The success and performance of the Rafale in this operation reinforced the IAF’s case for an accelerated expansion of the Rafale Fighter Fleet.
Rafale Fleet Set to Grow as India Rejects Fifth-Gen Pitches
Should it be approved, the total number of Rafales to be supplied to India would increase to 176. This consists of 36 that have already been delivered to India Air Force, 26 have been ordered by Navy, and the remaining 114 are waiting for approval. Despite many U.S.-based companies pushing the F-35 and Russian manufacturers promoting the Su-57, India continues to support its existing Rafale ecosystem. The Indian Air Force prefers the Rafale due to its existing capability, faster delivery times and simpler logistics.
The increasing regional threats are pressing India to act immediately to strengthen its position. India’s future Air Force structure will include the Su-30 MKI, the Rafale, 180 LCA Mark 1A aircraft that are already ordered and the fifth-generation fighter that India plans to produce after the year 2035. In addition, Dassault Aviation intends to establish a military repair operation (MRO) in Hyderabad for M-88 engines which would enhance India’s Air Force infrastructure.
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