New Delhi : India and France are expected to make significant progress on a long-awaited Rafale fighter jet deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France. According to reports, negotiations for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft and their manufacturing in India have entered an advanced stage.
Under the proposed agreement, the Indian Air Force is expected to procure 114 Rafale jets in a deal estimated to be worth around ₹3.25 lakh crore. Of these, 18 aircraft would be delivered directly from France, while the remaining 96 would be manufactured in India. If finalized, this would mark the first large-scale production of Rafale aircraft outside France.
Sources indicate that India has insisted on substantial indigenous participation under the “Make in India” initiative, with at least 50 percent local content in the aircraft. Discussions between the two countries have focused extensively on this requirement. An official announcement could be made during talks between Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron if the remaining issues are resolved.
Defence experts believe that the new batch of Rafale jets could be equipped with more advanced weapons systems, next-generation air-to-air missiles, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, making them even more lethal than the aircraft currently in service. France has recently tested the new-generation MICA-NG missile, which could potentially be integrated into future Rafale platforms.
The proposed acquisition comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is seeking to strengthen its combat capabilities and address the shortage of fighter squadrons. The Ministry of Defence has already issued a formal Letter of Request to France, advancing the procurement process.
Apart from boosting the Air Force’s operational strength, the project is expected to provide a major push to India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors. French companies are also exploring greater collaboration with Indian industry in the production of engines, airframes, and other critical components.