New Delhi: India is expected to approve a major defence agreement worth around Rs 3.25 lakh crore for the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France in the coming days. Sources indicate that the Defence Ministry could clear the proposal before the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in bilateral strategic cooperation.
If finalised, the contract will become the largest weapons deal in India’s history. A key feature of the agreement will be the manufacture of nearly 100 aircraft within the country, involving transfer of advanced technology and close collaboration between Indian and French firms. The arrangement is aimed at strengthening domestic aerospace capabilities and supporting the national manufacturing initiative.
India already operates 36 Rafale jets in the air force and has placed a separate order for 26 naval variants valued at Rs 63,000 crore. The earlier contract included twin seat trainer aircraft along with maintenance, logistics and training support under a long term maintenance and overhaul framework. The naval versions will operate from aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
The existing fleet has been stationed at Ambala and Hasimara under two frontline squadrons and has been integrated into critical defence operations. Rafale aircraft were deployed during Operation Sindoor last year and also took part in missions along the Ladakh sector, demonstrating their strategic importance.
The fighter is equipped with a range of modern weapon systems including long range air to air missiles, precision strike cruise missiles and advanced electronic warfare suites. These capabilities allow the aircraft to perform air superiority as well as deep strike roles with high accuracy.
Last year, India and France also announced production transfer agreements between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited to accelerate local manufacturing. A new facility in Hyderabad will produce key fuselage sections of the jet, with the first components expected by 2028. The plan is to manufacture two complete fuselages every month before final assembly in France.
The Indian Navy is simultaneously working on an indigenous fifth generation deck based fighter being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. This programme, aligned with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project for the air force, aims to reduce long term dependence on foreign platforms.
With the proposed Rafale acquisition, India is set to emerge as one of the largest operators of the French aircraft outside Europe. The deal is viewed as a major step towards modernising the armed forces while expanding technological self reliance in the defence sector.
