India’s defence modernisation journey has always been closely tied to the evolution of its air force. From vintage Soviet-era machines to indigenously designed aircraft, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has repeatedly sought to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future challenges. The latest development in this long trajectory is the submission of a proposal to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, to be largely built in India. If cleared, this deal could mark the largest single defence procurement in the nation’s history and substantially alter the balance of power in the skies of South Asia.
The Rafale, designed and produced by France’s Dassault Aviation, is not an unfamiliar silhouette in Indian skies. In 2016, after years of negotiation, India signed an agreement to procure 36 Rafales in a government-to-government arrangement with France. The first aircraft arrived in 2020, and since then both Ambala and Hashimara airbases have hosted squadrons equipped with this multirole fighter.
The aircraft has already demonstrated its worth in Indian service. With its long-range strike capabilities, state-of-the-art avionics, and combat-proven systems, the Rafale has quickly become one of the most potent assets in the IAF’s arsenal. Its induction was particularly timely, as the IAF faced pressing squadron shortfalls at a time when regional adversaries were inducting newer generation aircraft.
The IAF has long projected the need for around 42 squadrons to credibly manage a two-front challenge—Pakistan to the west and China to the north. In practice, however, the number of active squadrons hovers around 30. Older aircraft such as the MiG-21 are being retired, leaving a capability void that requires urgent attention.
The proposed acquisition of 114 Rafales is intended to plug this gap. Beyond merely replacing ageing fleets, the plan is to significantly augment the IAF’s strike and deterrence potential. With nearly two hundred Rafales across both the Air Force and Navy (including earlier contracts), India would establish a coherent, standardised fleet that could be maintained and upgraded more efficiently than a patchwork of disparate fighter types.
What sets this proposal apart from the earlier 36-jet deal is its emphasis on indigenisation. Over sixty per cent of the aircraft’s components, sub-assemblies, or systems are expected to be produced in India. Dassault Aviation would partner with Indian aerospace companies to set up manufacturing lines, transfer critical technologies, and integrate Indian suppliers into its global chain.
For New Delhi, this is not only about acquiring jets but about building a domestic ecosystem. It aligns with the national vision of becoming less dependent on imports and creating a sustainable defence industrial base. Should the plan go ahead, it would also generate high-end jobs, foster technical expertise, and provide long-term maintenance independence.
The deal, if finalised, is valued at over ₹2 lakh crore, making it the most expensive single defence procurement in India’s history. The proposal is presently with the Ministry of Defence, where it is undergoing scrutiny by different departments, including Defence Finance. The Defence Procurement Board and the Defence Acquisition Council will review it next, before any final clearance is given at the Cabinet level.
Such a process is deliberately lengthy, intended to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence. But the sheer scale of the proposal underlines its urgency: with threats multiplying, the IAF cannot afford delays in augmenting its combat strength.
Rafale: Capabilities and Specifications
The Rafale is often described as an “omnirole” fighter, a term Dassault uses to signify its ability to switch seamlessly between roles in a single mission. Key specifications include:
Engines: Powered by two Snecma M88 turbofan engines, providing thrust sufficient for both super-manoeuvrability and high-speed interception.
Speed: Capable of reaching Mach 1.8, with a combat range exceeding 3,700 kilometres (ferry range with drop tanks).
Avionics: Equipped with the RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, providing long-range detection and tracking.
Weapons: The Rafale can carry a mix of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, anti-ship missiles, and the French SCALP cruise missile. India’s earlier Rafale deal also included the Meteor missile, considered among the most advanced air-to-air weapons in service worldwide.
Payload: With fourteen hardpoints, the aircraft can carry over 9.5 tonnes of ordnance.
Survivability: Incorporates advanced electronic warfare suites, stealth-optimised design, and superior manoeuvrability to reduce vulnerability in contested airspace.
For India, the specifications translate into enhanced ability to conduct precision strikes deep into adversary territory, hold enemy assets at risk, and protect Indian skies from intrusions.
The earlier Rafale contract was not without controversy. Political debates, questions about pricing, and concerns over offsets dominated public discourse. Yet, once the aircraft began to arrive, scepticism gave way to recognition of its unmatched capabilities. The lessons from that contract are expected to shape the proposed 114-jet programme. Greater transparency, broader domestic involvement, and phased payment structures could allay some of the concerns.
It is also important to note that the Rafale has already been customised to Indian requirements in the earlier deal, including integration of Israeli helmet-mounted displays, Indian electronic warfare systems, and adaptations for high-altitude operations. This customisation means future orders would build upon an established baseline, saving both time and cost in integration.
If India proceeds with this acquisition, it will significantly outpace the modernisation efforts of its regional rivals. Pakistan, for instance, has invested heavily in Chinese-designed JF-17s and seeks to induct J-10 fighters. China continues to expand its fleet of advanced jets, including the J-20 stealth aircraft. Against this backdrop, a fleet of nearly 200 Rafales would provide the IAF with a decisive technological edge, particularly in terms of long-range strike, electronic warfare, and air dominance.
Moreover, the move would reinforce Indo-French defence ties. France has been a consistent partner, willing to share advanced technologies and support India’s push for autonomy. The collaboration could extend beyond aircraft into naval and space domains.
While the proposal is ambitious, challenges remain. Funding such a massive programme will require careful allocation within India’s defence budget, which already must balance competing priorities such as the Navy’s submarine projects and the Army’s modernisation drive. Timelines will also be critical—delays could weaken the strategic rationale for the acquisition.
Yet, few doubt the necessity. For the IAF to maintain its operational credibility, to protect national interests, and to prepare for future conflicts, a modern and sizeable fleet is indispensable. The Rafale, already tested in Indian service, stands as a logical choice.
The plan to acquire 114 Rafales is not merely a purchase; it represents a strategic vision. It is about ensuring India’s skies remain secure, its industry becomes more self-reliant, and its armed forces are equipped for the complexities of modern warfare. Whether viewed from the lens of national security, industrial growth, or international diplomacy, the deal—if finalised—could be a defining moment in India’s defence journey.