India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its air combat capabilities by formally approaching France for the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft. According to officials familiar with the development, the Ministry of Defence recently sent a Letter of Request (LOR) to the French government, outlining the Indian Air Force's operational requirements and proposed terms for the acquisition.
The move marks the beginning of a process that is expected to lead to formal negotiations once France responds to the request. Officials indicated that the government is aiming to finalise the deal during the 2026-27 financial year.
Major boost for air force modernisation
The proposed acquisition is estimated to cost around ₹3.25 lakh crore and forms a key part of India's efforts to modernise the Indian Air Force (IAF). Before the contract is signed, both sides will hold technical discussions, negotiate pricing and secure approvals from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Also Read | Centre plans modern air-raid warning systems in 244 vulnerable districts
In February, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of military equipment worth ₹3.6 lakh crore, including the planned purchase of 114 Rafale jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.
Manufacturing in India under MRFA programme
Under the model currently being considered, most of the aircraft will be produced in India through a partnership between French aerospace company Dassault Aviation and an Indian industry partner. France is expected to deliver 20 aircraft in fly-away condition, while the remaining jets will be manufactured domestically.
India and France have also been discussing the integration of locally developed weapons and other India-specific enhancements into the aircraft.
Also Read | India's BrahMos push in ASEAN gains pace as Vietnam signs, Indonesia nears deal
Growing Rafale fleet
The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets acquired from France under a ₹59,000-crore deal. Separately, India signed a ₹63,000-crore agreement in April 2025 for 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy.
Dassault Aviation has also expanded its footprint in India. The company has established a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility near Noida and recently partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to manufacture Rafale fuselage sections in Hyderabad, marking the first time the aircraft's main body will be produced outside France.
