New Delhi: The Defence Ministry has received a proposal from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets manufactured in India, a move that could mark the country’s largest-ever defence deal. The jets would be produced by Dassault Aviation in collaboration with Indian aerospace firms, with indigenous content expected to exceed 60%.
The proposal, valued at over ₹2 lakh crore, is under preliminary discussions within the ministry, including review by the Defence Finance wing. It is expected to be taken up by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), headed by the Defence Secretary, in the coming weeks, followed by consideration by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).
If approved, the deal would raise India’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, complementing the 36 jets already inducted by the IAF and 36 ordered by the Indian Navy under previous government-to-government agreements.
The proposed ‘Made in India’ Rafales are expected to feature longer-range air-to-ground missiles, an upgrade over the current SCALP missiles, which have been used effectively in operations such as Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The aircraft’s Spectra Electronic Warfare Suite has demonstrated superiority against advanced air-to-air missiles, including China’s PL-15.
The French firm Dassault is also planning a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Rafale’s M-88 engines in Hyderabad. Indian companies, including Tata Aerospace, are likely to participate in the manufacturing, further boosting the Make in India initiative in defence aviation.
The IAF’s fighter fleet is expected to be primarily composed of Su-30 MKIs, Rafales, and indigenous fighter projects. India has already placed orders for 180 LCA Tejas Mk1A jets and is planning large-scale induction of an indigenous fifth-generation fighter beyond 2035, addressing evolving regional security challenges.
Officials note that the proposal reflects India’s urgent need to modernize its air combat capabilities, maintain technological edge, and strengthen self-reliance in defence production.
