IAF Submits Proposal for Acquisition of 114 Indigenous Rafale Jets to Defence Ministry
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally proposed the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets, manufactured domestically, to the Ministry of Defence. Valued at over ₹2 lakh crore, this substantial defence contract will see French aerospace company Dassault Aviation collaborating with Indian defence firms to ensure over 60% indigenous production.
Defence officials have indicated that the IAF’s “Statement of Case” has been presented to the ministry and is undergoing evaluation by various departments, including Defence Finance. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), chaired by the Defence Secretary, before advancing to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).
Should the proposal receive approval, it would mark the largest defence procurement project in India’s history. The addition of these jets would increase the IAF’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, supplementing the 36 already operational and 36 acquired by the Indian Navy through previous government-to-government deals.
The demand for additional Rafales follows their demonstrated effectiveness in Operation Sindoor, where the jets, equipped with the sophisticated Spectra electronic warfare suite, successfully countered Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles and precisely targeted high-value sites in Pakistan.
The upcoming Rafale jets are anticipated to have enhanced features, such as long-range air-to-ground missiles exceeding the capabilities of the existing Scalp systems. Furthermore, Dassault plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center for Rafale’s M-88 engines in Hyderabad, enhancing India's aerospace industry.
Indian defence companies, including Tata, are expected to play a significant part in the production process. With the IAF under pressure to reinforce its combat capabilities amid escalating regional tensions, the integration of Rafales, along with Su-30 MKIs and forthcoming LCA Mark1A jets, is set to be central to India’s future air defense strategy.
India has already ordered 180 LCA Mark1A aircraft and intends to introduce its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets in large numbers beyond 2035.
