India seeks 114 Rafale fighter jets from France in Rs 3.25 lakh crore mega deal

India has moved forward with plans to acquire 114 Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft from France by finalising and issuing a Letter of Request under the government-to-government procurement framework. The proposed deal, estimated at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore, is expected to become the largest fighter aircraft acquisition programme undertaken by the country and is aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force’s combat capability.

According to officials, the Letter of Request was issued by the Defence Ministry’s Acquisition Wing to the French government. France is expected to respond within the next few months, after which formal negotiations will begin. Both sides are aiming to conclude the negotiations and finalise the agreement within approximately one year. The development coincides with Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s visit to France.

Under the proposed arrangement, the majority of the aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India through a partnership between Dassault Aviation and an Indian company under the Make in India initiative. Estimates indicate that around 90 to 94 aircraft could be produced in India, while the remaining jets would be supplied directly from France in fly-away condition. The programme is expected to incorporate nearly 50 percent indigenous content.

The acquisition is intended to address the Indian Air Force’s requirement for additional fighter squadrons. The Rafale is capable of undertaking multiple mission profiles, including air superiority operations, ground attack missions, reconnaissance assignments and strategic deterrence roles. The proposed procurement follows earlier orders placed by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy for Rafale aircraft.

Officials stated that this would be the first time Rafale fighter jets are manufactured outside France under a government-backed arrangement. The programme is also expected to allow integration of Indian weapons and systems while expanding domestic aerospace manufacturing capacity. If completed, the new order, together with existing and planned procurements, would significantly increase the number of Rafale aircraft in Indian service.