ISLAMABAD: India and France are rapidly approaching a groundbreakingdefence agreement that could see the Indian Air Force acquire up to 114advanced Rafale fighter jets in one of the largest procurement deals inrecent Indian military history. Reports indicate that talks haveintensified for an initial firm order of 90 Rafale F4 standard aircraft,coupled with an option for 24 next-generation Rafale F5 variants,potentially transforming India’s aerial combat capabilities while deepeningbilateral strategic ties. This development comes against the backdrop ofpersistent shortages in the IAF’s squadron strength, raising questionsabout whether this mega deal will finally bridge critical operational gapsbefore regional threats escalate further.
The Indian Air Force has long highlighted a pressing requirement for atleast 114 modern multi-role combat aircraft to address the steady declinein its fighter squadrons, which have fallen well below authorised levelsdue to retirements and delays in indigenous programmes. Sources familiarwith the negotiations suggest that broad agreement has already been reachedon the 114-jet framework, with the deal structured under agovernment-to-government arrangement to expedite the process and avoidprolonged tender complications. This approach is expected to pave the wayfor significant local manufacturing involvement, aligning seamlessly withIndia’s Make in India initiative and positioning the country as a potentialexport hub for Dassault Aviation’s flagship fighter.
Central to the proposed configuration is the Rafale F4 variant, whichincorporates advanced upgrades including enhanced radar systems, improvedelectronic warfare capabilities, and integration of longer-range weaponry.Deliveries of these 90 aircraft are anticipated to commence around 2029,providing immediate relief to the IAF’s operational readiness. The optional24 Rafale F5 jets represent a forward-looking commitment, as this futurestandard is designed to bridge towards sixth-generation technologies withfeatures such as higher-thrust engines, hypersonic missile compatibility,and drone wingman integration. French officials have publicly acknowledgedIndia’s intent, describing it as a testament to the enduring trust betweenthe two nations.
This potential mega deal builds upon previous successful collaborationsbetween India and France in the Rafale programme. In 2016, India procured36 Rafale jets in a direct government-to-government purchase, followed byan April 2025 agreement for 26 Rafale-M naval variants at approximately Rs63,000 crore, making India the only country besides France to operate bothland-based and carrier-borne versions of the aircraft. These earlieracquisitions have demonstrated the Rafale’s proven performance in diverseroles, from air superiority to precision strikes, and have bolsteredconfidence in expanding the fleet further amid evolving regional securitydynamics.
The push for additional Rafales comes at a time when the IAF faces acutechallenges from the retirement of ageing platforms such as the MiG-21s andJaguars, compounded by delays in the Tejas Mk-1A production and theAdvanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. Defence analysts note that thesquadron shortfall has reached critical levels, with the force operatingaround 30 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The proposed114-jet acquisition, if finalised, could add substantial firepower andtechnological edge, particularly in contested environments along India’snorthern and eastern borders.
Industrial offsets and technology transfer form a cornerstone of thenegotiations, with expectations that up to 60 per cent of the productionvalue will accrue to Indian entities. This includes collaboration on keycomponents such as the M88 engine through partnerships with Safran, as wellas establishment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities in India.Such provisions are intended to enhance self-reliance in defencemanufacturing while creating high-skilled jobs and fostering long-termaerospace ecosystem growth.
Diplomatic momentum is building towards formalisation, with FrenchPresident Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India in February 2026widely viewed as a potential catalyst for advancing the deal. The timingcoincides with heightened strategic consultations between New Delhi andParis, reinforcing defence cooperation as a pillar of their bilateralrelationship. Sources indicate that the Defence Acquisition Council islikely to grant Acceptance of Necessity soon, followed by pricenegotiations and eventual clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
The implications of this deal extend beyond mere numbers, as it signalsIndia’s determination to modernise its air force rapidly while balancingstrategic autonomy with proven international partnerships. Whether theagreement materialises in its current form or undergoes further adjustmentsremains a subject of close observation, but the trajectory points towards asignificant enhancement of India’s deterrence posture in an increasinglyvolatile geopolitical landscape.
Source:https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/india-france-near-mega-rafale-deal-amid-iaf-gaps/articleshow/126441297.cms
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