New Delhi | RBN News
India is on the verge of approving its largest-ever defence acquisition, with the Indian Air Force set to procure 114 Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. Defence sources indicate that the ₹3.25 lakh crore deal is likely to receive clearance from the Defence Ministry this week, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
Once sanctioned, the agreement will mark a historic milestone in India’s defence procurement, both in value and strategic depth.
Boost to ‘Make in India’ and Technology Transfer
A key component of the proposed deal is domestic manufacturing. Around 100 of the 114 aircraft are expected to be built in India, involving substantial transfer of advanced fighter aircraft technology. This will strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem and reinforce the government’s ‘Make in India’ and defence self-reliance objectives.
The deal will further cement India’s position as one of the largest Rafale operators globally outside France.
India’s Growing Rafale Fleet
India already operates 36 Rafale ‘C’ variants, with the Indian Air Force receiving the final aircraft in December 2024. These jets are currently deployed with:
- No. 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows) at Ambala
- No. 101 Squadron (Falcons) at Hasimara
In addition, India has placed an order for 26 Rafale ‘M’ naval variants—designed for aircraft carrier operations—under a separate ₹63,000 crore deal. This order includes:
- Twin-seat trainer aircraft
- Comprehensive maintenance, logistics, and training support
- A long-term MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) framework
Deliveries of the naval variants are expected to be completed by 2030, with deployment planned aboard INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
Proven Combat Capabilities
The Rafale is a twin-engine, multi-role combat aircraft renowned for air dominance and precision strike missions. Indian Rafales have already seen operational deployment, including:
- Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack
- High-altitude missions in Ladakh
The aircraft is capable of deploying advanced weapon systems such as:
- SCALP air-launched cruise missiles (range over 250 km)
- Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles
- HAMMER precision-guided stand-off weapons
- SPECTRA advanced electronic warfare suite
Dassault–Tata Manufacturing Partnership
To support localisation, France and India last year announced four major production-transfer agreements between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
Under this collaboration:
- A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be established in Hyderabad
- Key Rafale fuselage sections—including front, central, and rear assemblies—will be produced in India
- The first fuselage sections are expected to roll out in 2028
- The target production rate is two complete fuselages per month
Final aircraft assembly will continue at Dassault’s facility in Merignac, France, ensuring quality and certification continuity.
Strategic Outlook
The proposed Rafale mega-deal not only addresses the Indian Air Force’s critical squadron strength requirements but also represents a long-term strategic partnership with France, combining operational readiness, industrial growth, and technological sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is also advancing plans to induct indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft currently under development by DRDO, signalling a parallel push for homegrown next-generation combat platforms.
