Rafale Deal Equals Half of Pakistan’s Budget: ISI-Linked Pakistani Analyst Alarmed by India’s Rising Air Power

Islamabad: India’s decision to significantly expand its fighter jet fleet by approving the purchase of 114 Rafale aircraft from France has triggered serious concern among Pakistani commentators, with one prominent Pakistan-based defence analyst claiming that the scale of the deal is equivalent to nearly half of Pakistan’s national budget.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has recently cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets along with six P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, strengthening India’s aerial and strategic reconnaissance capabilities. The move has been widely viewed as a major step toward boosting the combat strength of the Indian Air Force.

Reacting sharply to the development, Pakistani commentator Qamar Cheema, often described as close to Pakistan’s security establishment, admitted that India’s growing defence partnership with France cannot be ignored.

“France-India Relations Are Growing Stronger”

Speaking in a video commentary, Cheema highlighted French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India for the AI Summit and pointed to the increasingly warm relationship between Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the diplomatic tone between the two leaders reflects a deepening strategic bond.

“France and India’s relationship is better than ever and continues to grow. Macron came to India for the AI Summit. Modi called him his friend. Macron is speaking positively. This shows the kind of bonding both countries share,” Cheema said.

$28 Billion Deal Raises Alarm in Pakistan

Cheema claimed that India is finalising a massive deal worth nearly $28 billion to acquire 114 Rafale jets, calling it a financial scale Pakistan can barely imagine.

He alleged that India accelerated the Rafale expansion plan after the four-day India-Pakistan military confrontation in May last year.

“India is increasing its Rafale fleet. The deal is worth $28 billion. In Indian currency, it is around 3.25 trillion rupees. In Pakistani currency, it becomes 6 to 7 trillion rupees—almost half of our budget,” he stated.

Cheema noted that India is also purchasing other weapons systems, but stressed that Pakistan is particularly concerned because such a massive amount is being spent solely on fighter jets.

Indian Air Force Set for Major Boost

The Pakistani analyst admitted that the Indian Air Force has been consistently demanding a larger number of combat aircraft to maintain air superiority. With the addition of 114 Rafales, India’s aerial power is expected to rise dramatically.

Cheema warned that Pakistan will face growing difficulty in maintaining its air superiority and cannot afford to ignore such a strategic development.

Pakistan May Respond With More J-10CE Fighters

Cheema also claimed that Pakistan’s military is now discussing the possibility of ordering an additional 60 to 70 J-10CE fighter aircraft to counter India’s expanding Rafale fleet.

His comments suggest that India’s Rafale deal has already created pressure in Islamabad and could accelerate an arms race in the region.

Rafale Deal Sends Shockwaves Across Border

India’s Rafale expansion plan is being seen as one of the most significant defence acquisitions in recent times. The scale of the deal and its direct impact on air combat capability has clearly unsettled Pakistan’s strategic community.

With India strengthening its air force through advanced French platforms, analysts believe Pakistan’s defence planners may now be forced to rethink their long-term military balance strategy.