The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to soar higher with a significant update on the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets. According to leaked details from France's Ministry of Defense, India plans to purchase 90 Rafale F4 multirole jets and has the option for 24 next-gen Rafale F5 variants.
reports that a proposal to purchase 114 Rafales is also progressing.
The IAF currently has only 29 fighter squadrons but needs 42.5 to be fully equipped. Delays in indigenous programs have widened this gap. Pakistan is receiving F-16 upgrades from the US, projected to last until 2040. It also possesses J-10C and PL-15 missiles and is eyeing J-35 fifth-generation jets.
With China owning 400 J-20 jets, India's need for a strong fighter fleet is urgent. Opting for Rafale ensures a unified fleet, making maintenance easier. A quick G2G deal signing could occur. Rafale's prowess was already proven in Operation Sindoor.
Source: aajtak
F3R: India already owns 36 Rafale F3Rs (2016 deal), armed with Meteor missiles, MICA, Hammer bombs, and SPECTRA EW systems, featuring India-specific enhancements like Astra missiles and helmet-mounted displays.
F4: A new standard with improved radar, sensors, and network warfare capabilities. Can detect stealth targets. Deliveries from 2029.
F5 (Super Rafale): Set to be ready by 2030. Features higher thrust engines, hypersonic missiles, drone wingman capability, and advanced EW systems, bridging fifth and sixth-generation technologies.
The French officials emphasize that Make-in-India is only beneficial if the entire 114 (IAF) + 26 (Navy) orders are fulfilled. This would support setting up an assembly line. Dassault already manufactures fuselages in India. Safran is setting up an MRO plant for the M88 engine in Hyderabad. In collaboration with DRDO, Safran is developing a new jet engine for AMCA, ensuring 100% technology transfer.
Source: aajtak
The US is arming Pakistan and boosting trade with China, while India and France are forging stronger ties as France avoids sanctions. Discussions between India and Russia concerning the Su-57 are also ongoing, aimed at maintaining a strategic balance.
The proposal awaits AoN and CCS approval. With Macron visiting India in 2026, the deal might be launched. If successful, India would become the largest Rafale operator outside France (175+ jets), with production potentially being more cost-effective in India. Rafale's life-cycle cost is low, outperforming Russian jets.
