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India Eyes 114 Rafale Jets Ahead of Macron Visit, Deal Worth Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore

The Indian Defence Ministry is set to discuss a massive proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force next week. The Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal is considered critical to meet the IAF's operational needs amid heightened regional security concerns. About 80% of the aircraft are planned to be manufactured in India through collaboration between Dassault and Indian private companies. The discussion precedes the upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Delhi in the third week of February.

Key Points: India's 114 Rafale Jet Deal Ahead of Macron's February Visit

  • Deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore
  • 80% jets to be made in India
  • To address IAF's squadron shortage
  • Response to regional security threats
  • Includes 88 single & 26 twin-seaters
2 min read

Ahead of French President's visit, Defence Ministry likely to discuss 114 Rafale jet deal next week

India's Defence Ministry to discuss a Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets next week, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.

"The proposal is likely to be taken up for discussion next week... and is seen as critical for meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force - defence sources"

By Ajit Dubey, New Delhi, February 5

Ahead of the visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in the third week of February, the Defence Ministry of India is likely to discuss the Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal to buy 114 Rafale combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

The Indian Air Force proposal was given the initial nod by the Defence Procurement Board last month.

"The proposal is likely to be taken up for discussion next week at a high-level meeting of the defence ministry and is seen as critical for meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force in view of the present security scenario in the region," defence sources told ANI.

The Indian Air Force is currently operating only around 30 fighter aircraft squadrons, whereas its sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons.

With increasing collusion between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Pakistan and China, the threat perception has now gone up further.

The project is expected to help the Indian Air Force to meet its requirement for a 4.5-generation-plus multirole fighter aircraft for a long time.

About 80 per cent of the 114 Rafale fighter aircraft proposed to be acquired under the deal are planned to be manufactured in India.

Sources said that the Indian Air Force is going to get 88 single-seater and 26 twin-seater aircraft under the project, of which the majority would be built in India with the collaboration of Dassault and Indian private sector companies.

Once the deal gets completed, the Indian Air Force will have a fleet of 150 Rafales, along with 26 of the Indian Navy, which will have an aircraft carrier-compatible version of the French planes.

The French President is expected to be in Delhi for the AI summit on February 18.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 3.25 lakh crore is an astronomical amount. While national security is paramount, I hope there is complete transparency in this deal. We cannot afford another controversy. The money could also build many schools and hospitals.
V
Vikram M
Excellent move! The Rafale has proven its worth. Building most of them here will boost our aerospace industry and create high-tech jobs. This will send a strong message to our neighbours about our defence readiness. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
The strategic calculus mentioned is clear. The collusion between Pakistan and China is a real concern. A strong Air Force is a deterrent. Hope the deal goes through smoothly during President Macron's visit.
R
Rohit P
Finally some action on the squadron strength! We've been talking about it for years. 150 Rafales will be a formidable force. The Navy getting the carrier version is also a smart move. Good for overall tri-service capability.
K
Karthik V
While I support strengthening defence, I have a question. Are we putting all our eggs in one basket? Shouldn't we also fast-track our own AMCA project? Long-term, self-reliance is the only sustainable security.

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