New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit India later this month, and during his trip, the two countries are expected to discuss a major deal for the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is likely to deliberate on the ₹3.25 lakh crore proposal for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Last month, the Defence Procurement Board gave initial approval to the IAF’s proposal.
High-Level Defence Talks Expected
Defence sources told ANI that a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Defence is expected next week to discuss the proposal. The deal is considered crucial to meet the IAF’s operational requirements amid the current security dynamics in the region. Presently, the IAF operates only around 30 fighter squadrons, while its sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons. Rising strategic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as Pakistan and China, have further emphasized the need to strengthen India’s aerial capabilities. The project is expected to help the IAF meet its long-term requirement for 4.5-generation-plus multirole fighter aircraft.
Major Manufacturing in India
Under the proposed deal, approximately 80% of the 114 Rafale jets would be manufactured in India. The Indian Air Force would receive 88 single-seater and 26 twin-seater aircraft, with most being produced locally through a collaboration between the French company Dassault Aviation and Indian private sector firms.
Once the deal is finalized, the Indian Air Force will have a fleet of 150 Rafale jets. Additionally, the Indian Navy will acquire 26 carrier-compatible aircraft. French President Macron is expected to be in Delhi on February 18 for the AI Summit, which will coincide with discussions on the defence deal.
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