The Indian Air Force (IAF) has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets under the Make in India initiative. The estimated cost of this acquisition stands at ₹2 lakh crore, or roughly $23.8 billion. If approved, Dassault Aviation will produce around 60% of each aircraft in India, partnering with a local company.
The MoD is currently reviewing the proposal. It has cleared internal checks, including scrutiny by Defence Finance. However, it still requires approvals from the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is chaired by the Prime Minister.
The IAF has recommended bypassing the ongoing Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program and directly opting for the Rafale. This move comes despite Russia’s continued offer of Su-57 stealth fighters.
If the deal goes through, France could become India’s main defense supplier, overtaking Russia. Moscow has tried to retain its position by offering local production of the Su-57, upgrades to existing jets, and support for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.
French-Indian defense ties go beyond fighter jets. Dassault is expected to partner with Indian companies like Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to manufacture Rafale components locally. In addition, Safran Aerospace plans to set up an engine maintenance and overhaul hub in Hyderabad for the Rafale’s M-88 engines.
Standardization across India’s military branches would also bring strategic advantages. The IAF already operates Rafale fighters, and the Navy is set to acquire Rafale-Marine jets. Expanding both fleets will streamline logistics, training, and maintenance.
However, some limitations persist. France has declined to share sensitive technologies such as source codes and advanced avionics, citing intellectual property concerns. India maintains that access to these technologies is critical for integrating indigenous weapons and ensuring operational autonomy.
India now faces a strategic turning point. Committing to the Rafale could reshape its defense partnerships, strengthen its domestic aerospace sector, and reduce reliance on traditional suppliers. If cleared, this Rafale purchase would rank among India’s largest-ever defense contracts and could firmly shift the balance in France’s favor.
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