India is set to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, with an initial budget estimated at ₹3.25 lakh crore. The deal marks a significant expansion of India’s aerial combat capabilities and is expected to strengthen bilateral defence ties between the two nations.
According to reports from the Times of India, an international conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be held in India from 18 to 20 February. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to attend the event. Sources from India’s Ministry of Defence have confirmed that all necessary official procedures related to the Rafale deal are expected to be completed ahead of President Macron’s visit.
Next week, a key meeting will be convened by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the arm of the Ministry of External Affairs responsible for defence procurement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the session, which is anticipated to finalise crucial aspects of the acquisition process.
Out of the 114 Rafales to be acquired, 18 aircraft will be delivered in flying condition from France. The remaining jets will be manufactured in India, incorporating advanced Indian technology in the production process. Among the new aircraft, 88 are single-seat fighters, while 26 will feature dual seating, suitable for training and specialised missions.
The French-manufactured Rafale is regarded as one of the most advanced and powerful fighter jets in the world today. Classified as a fifth-generation combat aircraft, the Rafale can reach speeds of up to 3,700 km/h and operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. These versatile jets are capable of carrying multiple missiles of varying ranges along with heavy machine guns, enabling them to execute complex air-to-air and air-to-ground missions effectively.
Since July 2020, India has already received 36 Rafale jets from France, including eight twin-seat trainer aircraft. The upcoming acquisition will substantially increase the Indian Air Force’s operational strength, supporting both defence and strategic initiatives across the region.
Overview of Rafale Acquisition
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Jets to be Acquired | 114 |
| Initial Budget | ₹3.25 lakh crore |
| Jets Delivered from France | 18 (flying condition) |
| Jets Manufactured in India | 96 (with Indian technology integration) |
| Single-Seat Jets | 88 |
| Dual-Seat Jets | 26 |
| Maximum Speed | 3,700 km/h |
| Maximum Altitude | 50,000 ft |
| Weapons Capability | Multi-range missiles, heavy machine guns |
| Jets Delivered to Date | 36 (including 8 dual-seat trainers) |
The Rafale acquisition represents a landmark in India’s defence modernisation programme, combining international collaboration with domestic manufacturing capabilities. Defence analysts have noted that this move will enhance India’s air superiority while bolstering its strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific region.