Prime Highlights
- India approved the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France as part of a ₹3.6 trillion defence acquisition plan aimed at strengthening air power before President Emmanuel Macron’s visit.
- The deal is expected to boost domestic manufacturing, with most of the 114 jets reportedly planned to be produced in India while deepening strategic ties with France.
Key Facts
- Local media reported that 114 Rafale jets are planned, with 18 to be supplied directly by Dassault Aviation and 96 to be manufactured in India.
- The Indian Air Force currently operates 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, having retired two MiG-21 squadrons in September 2025 and planning further retirements of older aircraft.
Background
India on Thursday approved the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France as part of a ₹3.6 trillion defence acquisition plan, in a move aimed at strengthening its air power ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit next week.
The Defence Ministry did not disclose the number of aircraft, but local media reported that New Delhi plans to buy 114 jets. Dassault Aviation will supply 18 of these directly, and the country will produce 96 at home, which will help grow local manufacturing.
The purchase seeks to address a growing shortfall in the Indian Air Force, which currently operates 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The force retired two MiG-21 squadrons in September 2025 and plans to retire more old aircraft in the coming years.
The broader defence package also includes Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for the Navy, anti-tank mines for the Army, and upgrades for T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
India had earlier ordered 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for its Navy, becoming the first country outside France to operate the naval variant. The Indian Air Force used Rafale jets during the 2025 conflict with Pakistan, and it reportedly lost one aircraft in a fight with Chinese-made J-10C fighters.
Macron will visit India from February 17 to 19 and will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on expanding cooperation across defence, technology and the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders will also launch the India-France Year of Innovation and attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Officials said the defence approvals reflect India’s push to modernise its forces while deepening strategic ties with France.