New Delhi : In a major step toward reinforcing India’s air power amid growing regional security challenges, the Defence Procurement Board has cleared a proposal to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, senior defence sources confirmed on Friday. The move marks one of the most consequential military procurement decisions in recent years and is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities over the next decade.
The proposal was approved at a meeting of the Defence Procurement Board chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. With this clearance, the file will now move to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The final decision is expected to rest with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Deal Likely to Be Sealed During India–France Summit
According to officials familiar with the process, India and France are aiming to formally conclude the agreement in February, when Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. The timing underscores the strategic depth of the India–France defence partnership, which has expanded steadily over the past decade to include fighter aircraft, submarines and space cooperation.
The proposed acquisition follows the earlier induction of 36 Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force and the Navy’s order for 26 carrier-capable Rafale Marine aircraft. Defence planners believe that expanding the Rafale fleet across services will generate long-term operational and financial efficiencies.
IAF Push for Numbers and Readiness
The Indian Air Force had formally submitted a proposal in September last year seeking 114 additional Rafale aircraft as part of a broader plan to arrest the steady decline in fighter squadron strength. Officials say the IAF’s preference for the Rafale was driven by operational familiarity, existing infrastructure, and the platform’s proven performance in Indian conditions.
The IAF currently operates two Rafale squadrons and has already established a dedicated flight-training and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at its Ambala air base. With trained personnel, tooling and spares in place, the service is assessed to be capable of inducting two more squadrons—roughly 36 to 38 aircraft—almost immediately once deliveries begin.
‘Make in India’ at the Core of the Programme
Unlike earlier acquisitions, the bulk of the 114 Rafale jets will be manufactured in India under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Dassault Aviation will partner with an Indian firm to locally produce the aircraft, with a substantial transfer of technology (ToT).
Last week, Dassault increased its stake in Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) to 51 per cent, making the joint venture a majority-owned subsidiary of the French company. The venture includes Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure as its Indian partner and is expected to play a central role in domestic production.
Officials say Dassault and its key suppliers, including engine-maker Safran and avionics specialist Thales, will provide transfer of technology for airframes, engines and avionics. Once the process is complete, indigenous content in the aircraft is projected to reach 55 to 60 per cent.
Integration of Indian Weapons and Secure Networks
As part of the agreement, Dassault will integrate Indian-made weapons, missiles and ammunition on all 114 aircraft. The jets will also be equipped with secure data links enabling real-time digital integration with Indian radars, airborne sensors and ground-based command systems, allowing seamless sharing of imagery and battlefield data.
Defence officials view these enhancements as critical for network-centric warfare, particularly in high-threat environments along India’s northern and western frontiers.
Indigenous Fighter Programmes to Continue Unaffected
The government has stressed that the Rafale acquisition will not come at the cost of indigenous fighter aircraft programmes. Development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—a fifth-generation stealth fighter—and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-2 will continue on separate timelines and budgets.
The Tejas Mark-2 is envisaged as a significantly upgraded platform over the Tejas Mark-1A, of which 180 aircraft have already been ordered from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Officials maintain that the Rafale deal is intended to bridge capability gaps until indigenous platforms mature.
Strategic Signal
Once approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, the acquisition of 114 Rafale jets will stand as one of the largest fighter aircraft deals in the world. Beyond enhancing the IAF’s combat strength, the programme is expected to deepen India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and send a strong strategic signal about New Delhi’s defence preparedness and long-term partnerships.
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