The Defence Ministry has started reviewing a mega proposal from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets manufactured in India. Valued at over Rs 2 lakh crore, the project is being touted as one of the largest defence deals in the country’s history. French manufacturer Dassault Aviation is expected to partner with Indian aerospace companies to execute the plan, which promises over 60 percent indigenous content.
According to officials, the Statement of Case (SoC) submitted by the IAF has been forwarded to the ministry and is now under review by multiple departments, including Defence Finance. The Defence Procurement Board (DPB), led by the Defence Secretary, is expected to examine the proposal in the coming weeks before it is placed before the Defence Acquisition Council for final approval.
The fresh proposal follows the Rafale’s widely praised performance in Operation Sindoor, where the aircraft reportedly outperformed Pakistan’s Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles with its advanced Spectra electronic warfare system. The jets provided a decisive technological edge in the conflict, strengthening the IAF’s argument for expanding its Rafale fleet.
Currently, the IAF operates 36 Rafale jets, while the Indian Navy has placed an order for another 36 under a government-to-government arrangement. If the new deal is approved, India’s total Rafale strength would rise to 176 aircraft, positioning it as a central pillar of India’s aerial combat power.
Officials quoted in the media mentioned that the Made-in-India Rafales will incorporate over 60 percent indigenous systems and components. Tata Group and other leading Indian firms are expected to play a major role in the manufacturing, assembly, and support infrastructure.
Additionally, Dassault Aviation is planning to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the Rafale’s M-88 engines in Hyderabad. This will not only support India’s growing Rafale fleet but also potentially serve as a regional hub for servicing similar engines in friendly nations.
The new Rafales are also expected to be equipped with longer-range air-to-ground missiles, surpassing the capability of the Scalp missile, which has already been used effectively in operations.
With increasing regional security challenges, the government is prioritising a robust and diversified fleet. India is already in the process of inducting 180 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets and has plans to introduce a fifth-generation indigenous stealth fighter by 2035. The proposed Rafale expansion will complement the existing Su-30 MKI squadrons and upcoming indigenous platforms, giving the IAF a significant edge in multi-role combat readiness.
If approved, the Rafale deal will not only bolster India’s national security but also provide a major boost to the domestic defence industry under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
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