*New Delhi, August 11, 2025* — The Indian Air Force (IAF) has renewed itspush for a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with France to procureadditional Rafale fighter jets, as part of its long-standing Multi-RoleFighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. The strategic move comes amid delays inthe rollout of India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium CombatAircraft (AMCA), which is expected to be production-ready only by 2035.
Under the MRFA project, the IAF aims to acquire 114 multi-role fighterjets, with a significant portion of them to be manufactured domestically incollaboration with a foreign partner. The Rafale, built by DassaultAviation, has emerged as a leading contender due to its proven capabilitiesand existing integration with the IAF fleet. India has already inducted 36Rafales under a previous G2G deal with France, enhancing its operationalreadiness.
According to defense officials, a G2G arrangement is being strongly favoredby the IAF to avoid prolonged procurement delays and streamlinenegotiations. The proposal underlines the need to fast-track theacquisition process in the face of evolving regional security challengesand the IAF’s urgent requirement to replace its ageing fleet of MiG-21s andJaguars.
In parallel, the IAF has also projected a requirement for two to threesquadrons of fifth-generation fighter aircraft to bridge the capability gapuntil the AMCA becomes operational. The Russian Su-57 and the American F-35are among the aircraft being evaluated as interim options. However, theprocurement of either would involve complex geopolitical considerations andinteroperability assessments.
The AMCA programme, spearheaded by the Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), remains a toppriority for India’s defence indigenization roadmap. But with its inductiontimeline stretching to 2035, the IAF is seeking stopgap solutions tomaintain technological parity with regional adversaries.
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Analysts note that the dual strategy — bolstering the current fleet withmore Rafales while exploring advanced 5th-gen platforms — reflects apragmatic approach to ensuring combat readiness over the next decade. Asglobal tensions rise and China continues to modernize its air fleet,India’s airpower preparedness remains a critical pillar of nationalsecurity planning.
The final decision on the MRFA contract and interim fifth-gen fighteracquisition will rest with the Ministry of Defence and is likely to beshaped by broader diplomatic and industrial considerations in the comingmonths.