Indian Air Force Seeks Additional Rafale Jets to Address Fighter Squadron Deficit
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advocating for a direct government-to-government agreement with France to acquire additional Rafale fighter jets. This initiative is part of the long-pending 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, aimed at addressing the urgent need to bolster its depleting fighter squadrons. The proposal is anticipated to be presented to the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Rajnath Singh, within the next two months to gain initial approval for necessity.
This development follows the recent Operation Sindoor, where Rafale jets played a significant role in executing long-range strikes from May 7 to May 10. Although India has not reported any fighter losses, it has dismissed Pakistan's claims of downing six IAF aircraft, including three Rafales. The operation highlighted the increasing threat posed by Pakistani J-10 jets of Chinese origin, which are equipped with long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
For over seven years, the MRFA case has been stalled, with costs projected to exceed ₹1.2 lakh crore. Currently, the IAF operates 31 fighter squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42.5. This number is anticipated to decrease to 29 following the retirement of MiG-21s next month, while China plans to supply Pakistan with 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters.
The IAF has expressed a need for two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters, considering the Russian Sukhoi-57 and the American F-35 as potential options, pending the development of the indigenous AMCA by 2035. However, formal discussions with Russia and the US have yet to commence.
Officials suggest that expanding the Rafale fleet through a direct deal with France would be a quicker and more economical alternative to a global tender. The IAF's current fleet includes 36 Rafales obtained through a ₹59,000 crore deal in 2016, stationed at Ambala and Hasimara, both capable of accommodating an additional squadron.
In addition, the Navy is poised to receive 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for operations on the INS Vikrant between 2028 and 2030 under a ₹63,887 crore agreement signed in April, potentially enhancing platform commonality if more Rafales are procured.
This proposal emerges from a comprehensive review led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, which outlined a strategy for expedited capability improvement of the IAF. The plan emphasizes private sector involvement along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation and defence public sector undertakings to swiftly address operational deficiencies.
(With Inputs from The Times of India)
