India is closing in on a major procurement of 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, structured as a ‘buy-and-make’ programme that prioritises domestic assembly and the integration of indigenous weapons systems. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed this week that formal evaluation of bids is underway and a conclusion is expected before the end of the current financial year.
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Under the proposed arrangement, only a limited number of aircraft would arrive in fly-away condition from France, while the bulk would be assembled in India with significant levels of local content. Dassault Aviation has agreed to integrate Indian weapons and systems not only on the new batch but also on the 26 Rafale Marine jets already contracted for the Navy, whose deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028. India already operates 36 Rafales acquired under an earlier government-to-government deal.
The talks reflect the robust strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris. French Rafale fighters recently participated in the Indian Air Force’s multinational Tarang Shakti exercise in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, as part of France’s Mission Pégase deployment. Cross-refuelling operations, including those involving French A400M aircraft, demonstrated high levels of interoperability between the two air forces.
While the estimated value of the programme, reported around ₹3.25 lakh crore, has prompted questions about cost and the technical complexities of weapons integration, officials emphasise that the deal will establish a second fighter production line in India alongside the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme. Indigenous efforts remain firmly on track: the LCA Mk2 is scheduled for its first flight in mid-2027, after which the Air Force will evaluate the prototypes.
The acquisition addresses the Indian Air Force’s persistent shortfall against its sanctioned squadron strength while advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives. Successful conclusion of the deal would enhance operational readiness in a contested regional environment and deepen industrial collaboration with France, reinforcing a key pillar of India’s defence modernisation strategy.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
