Indian Air Force Eyes Direct G2G Rafale Deal with France, Skips Slow MRFA Route

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is pressing for a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with France to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, seeking to bypass the lengthy and often delayed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender process.

The move comes as the IAF looks to rapidly strengthen its combat fleet amid rising tensions along the borders with China and Pakistan. Currently, the Air Force operates 36 Rafales — 30 single-seat and 6 twin-seat variants — acquired under a 2016 deal with France’s Dassault Aviation. These jets have already proven their operational worth in high-altitude deployments in Ladakh and during large-scale air exercises.

The MRFA programme, which was designed to invite global bids for a new multi-role fighter fleet, has been stalled for years due to procedural delays, budget negotiations, and the complexities of technology transfer agreements. By opting for a direct G2G deal, the IAF hopes to cut through bureaucratic red tape, negotiate faster delivery timelines, and secure favorable terms similar to the previous Rafale contract.

According to defence officials, the proposal could involve joint production or assembly in India under the Make in India initiative, possibly in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) or a private Indian defence manufacturer. This would not only speed up induction but also boost domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

The plan also aligns with India’s strategic push to maintain an edge in the region’s air power race. China continues to expand its fleet of J-20 stealth fighters, while Pakistan is inducting advanced J-10C jets from China. The additional Rafales, equipped with Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems, would give the IAF a decisive advantage in both air superiority and deep-strike missions.

If cleared, the new deal could see deliveries start within three to four years, with some jets potentially coming directly from Dassault’s production line in France while the rest are assembled in India. However, final approval will depend on the Ministry of Defence, budget allocations, and negotiations over industrial participation.

For the IAF, the priority is clear — avoid the long delays of the MRFA tender and bring in combat-ready aircraft quickly to plug squadron gaps, with at least 42 squadrons needed for optimal operational readiness, but currently operating only around 31.