India Set to Sign Biggest-Ever Arms Deal: 114 Rafale Fighter Jets for ₹3.25 Lakh Crore
India is on the verge of sealing its largest defence procurement deal to date, with the Defence Ministry expected to clear a ₹3.25 lakh crore agreement for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under the Indian Air Force’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.
Sources indicate that the approval could come as early as this week, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, giving the deal significant diplomatic and strategic weight.
Once finalised, the agreement will mark India’s biggest weapons purchase ever, significantly strengthening the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities while also deepening defence ties between New Delhi and Paris.
Major Boost to ‘Make in India’
A key feature of the proposed deal is the plan to manufacture nearly 100 Rafale jets in India, involving the transfer of advanced aviation technology. This move is expected to be a major push for the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and will help build long-term indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
The project is likely to involve strategic partnerships between French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Indian private defence firms, creating high-skill jobs and strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem.
Expanding Rafale Fleet
India already operates 36 Rafale ‘C’ variant jets, with the final aircraft delivered in December 2024. These jets are currently deployed with:
- No. 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ at Ambala
- No. 101 Squadron ‘Falcons’ at Hasimara in West Bengal
In addition, India has ordered 26 Rafale ‘M’ naval variants for the Indian Navy in a separate ₹63,000 crore deal. These carrier-based jets will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, enhancing India’s maritime air power.
With the new order, India will become one of the largest Rafale operators in the world outside France.
Proven Combat Record
The Rafale jets in Indian service have already demonstrated their combat value. They were deployed during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response following the Pahalgam terror attack in May last year, and have also been active in the Ladakh sector.
During operations, Rafales are believed to have used advanced weaponry such as the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, capable of striking hardened targets over 250 kilometres away with high precision.
The aircraft is also equipped with Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, HAMMER precision-guided weapons, and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, making it one of the most advanced multi-role fighters globally.
Indigenous Manufacturing and Future Plans
Last year, India and France announced multiple production transfer agreements between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Under this arrangement, Tata is expected to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce key Rafale fuselage sections.
The first locally manufactured fuselage components are expected by 2028, with a planned output of two complete fuselages per month.
Meanwhile, India is also progressing with its indigenous fighter programmes. The Navy is preparing for future induction of twin-engine, deck-based fifth-generation fighters, aligned with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project being developed for the Air Force.
Strategic Significance
The Rafale deal is seen as a major step in modernising India’s air power at a time of evolving regional security challenges. Beyond military strength, it reinforces India’s growing role as a global defence manufacturing hub and highlights the deepening strategic partnership between India and France.
If cleared, the agreement will reshape India’s air combat capabilities for decades to come.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Bharatiya News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
