French fighter jet Rafale is back in the spotlight, this time because of its effectiveness in action. After its reported performance during Operation Sindoor, and the Indian Air Force firmly rejecting Pakistan’s claims of destroying Rafale jets, the aircraft’s role has gained fresh attention. The outcome has now quietly opened the door to a possible expansion of India’s Rafale fleet.
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According to various media reports, India is preparing to take a significant step toward purchasing 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit India later this month, and the decision is expected to gain momentum even before his arrival.
India moves closer to major Rafale deal
Last month, the Defence Procurement Board, headed by the Defence Secretary, approved the proposal to acquire additional Rafale fighter aircraft. A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to take place soon to deliberate on the purchase.
If clearance is granted, the Rafale acquisition will become one of India’s largest fighter aircraft procurement deals, with an estimated value of around ₹3.25 lakh crore.
Under the proposal, India plans to procure 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat Rafale jets. While Dassault Aviation will manufacture the core components of the aircraft, nearly 80 per cent of the remaining production is proposed to be carried out in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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Rafal's flexibility in combat readiness
According to a Times of India report, the deal may offer flexibility in how the fighter aircraft are equipped for combat. As per the final contract, the Indian Air Force could have the freedom to integrate weapons of its choice, including domestically produced ammunition, into the Rafale jets.
The ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) for the proposal will be reviewed at the upcoming DAC meeting chaired by Rajnath Singh. If approved, the next phase of Rafale procurement will move forward. It is also believed that a final decision on the deal could be taken during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India.
