Why India wants 114 more Rafales and what gives the fighter its edge

India has taken a significant step toward acquiring 114 additional Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), following the submission of a detailed technical and commercial proposal by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. This move, aimed at addressing a critical shortfall in the IAF’s modern fighter capabilities, comes after the Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement earlier this year. The proposed deal, valued at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore, is expected to proceed through the remaining acquisition processes before requiring final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement involves the delivery of 18 Rafale jets in fly-away condition, fully equipped and ready for immediate deployment, while the remaining 96 units will be assembled locally in India. As the production process advances, the proportion of the aircraft built domestically is projected to rise significantly, from an initial estimate of around 30% to over 60%. This shift underscores India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. The IAF has specified a mix of 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat variants, tailored to meet both current and evolving operational requirements. Dassault Aviation is anticipated to collaborate with Indian private sector firms for the assembly and integration of key systems within the aircraft. Additionally, the proposal outlines plans for integrating indigenous weapons and systems into the Rafale, including secure data links that enable interoperability with Indian radar systems, sensors, and broader battlefield networks. These modifications aim to ensure seamless coordination between the Rafale and India’s existing and emerging military infrastructure. The proposed deal also encompasses comprehensive technology transfer agreements, covering aspects such as the aircraft’s airframe, engines, and avionics. French firms including Dassault, Safran, and Thales are expected to contribute to establishing a robust industrial base around the project. One notable component is the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility for Safran’s M88 engines in Hyderabad, which would enhance India’s capacity to sustain and support the Rafale fleet independently. This collaboration reflects a broader strengthening of India-France defence ties, marked by Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to France, during which both nations upgraded their strategic partnership to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. The Rafale is a twin-engine, multirole fighter capable of performing a wide array of missions, including air superiority, interception, ground attack, reconnaissance, and maritime strike. Its versatility is particularly valuable for India, which must maintain a high state of combat readiness along its western and northern borders as well as its maritime approaches. The aircraft’s design incorporates a delta wing with close-coupled canards and digital fly-by-wire controls, providing exceptional maneuverability. Its integrated avionics system consolidates data from multiple sensors and subsystems, offering the pilot enhanced situational awareness and reducing cognitive load during complex operations. The Rafale’s advanced features include a sophisticated sensor suite, including the RBE2 active electronically scanned array radar, which enables long-range detection and tracking of aerial targets. It is also equipped with a wide range of weapon systems, including precision-guided missiles and standoff weapons, allowing it to engage targets effectively even beyond visual range. The aircraft’s modular design facilitates upgrades and adaptations to changing threats and mission profiles, ensuring its relevance over an extended service life. The decision to procure additional Rafale jets follows years of discussions and negotiations between India and France, with the initial purchase of 36 Rafales in 2016 marking a pivotal moment in Indo-French defence cooperation. That deal included provisions for technology transfer and local production, setting the stage for the current proposal. With the IAF facing a growing need to modernize its fleet, the new acquisition is intended to serve as a transitional measure until indigenous platforms such as the Tejas Mk-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) reach operational maturity. The proposed procurement highlights the strategic importance of maintaining a balanced and technologically advanced air force, capable of meeting contemporary security challenges. As the deal progresses through its formal stages, its implications for India’s defence industry, military capabilities, and international partnerships will continue to unfold.