What happened?
On 13 September 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets to expand its fleet. The IAF has requested that the acquisition process begin directly for the French-made Rafale, instead of initiating a fresh Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. The jets will be produced in India under the Make in India initiative, with Dassault Aviation partnering Reliance Infrastructure through Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL). The acquisition process requires clearances from the Defence Procurement Board, Defence Acquisition Council, and the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by the Prime Minister. The IAF’s preference for Rafale is based on operational familiarity, existing infrastructure, and maintenance efficiencies. Currently, the IAF operates 36 Rafales, while the Navy has ordered 26 marine variants. The service can immediately absorb two additional squadrons of 36–38 jets.
Why it matters to India
This acquisition, expected to cost over Rs 2 lakh crore, is one of India’s largest defence deals and would enhance combat readiness. The jets may feature different weapon systems and up to 60 percent indigenous content, with Safran establishing an engine MRO hub in Hyderabad. The move is urgent as two MiG-21 squadrons are set to retire on 26 September, reducing IAF strength to 29 squadrons—the lowest in six decades. The Cabinet Committee on Security has set a target of 42 squadrons to meet potential two-front challenges from Pakistan and China, making this acquisition critical for national security.