India Moves Closer to Historic Rafale Fighter Jet Purchase
5 reasons mega Rafale fighter aircraft buy will reshape India’s air power
Mathrubhumi English
Image: Mathrubhumi English
India is finalizing a request to France for 114 Dassault Rafale F4 fighter jets, valued at $35–40 billion (approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore). This deal, the largest of its kind in India’s history, aims to enhance the Indian Air Force's capabilities, with most jets to be manufactured locally, boosting domestic defense production.
- 01The Rafale deal is expected to cost around $35–40 billion, making it the largest fighter aircraft purchase in India's history.
- 02Approximately 90 of the 114 Rafale jets will be manufactured in India, enhancing local defense manufacturing and job creation.
- 03India seeks access to interface control documents to integrate its own weapons, such as the Astra missile and BrahMos-NG, onto the Rafale jets.
- 04The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale jets, facilitating easier integration of additional aircraft.
- 05The purchase addresses India's fighter jet shortage, with only 29 operational squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.
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India is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a significant letter of request to France for 114 Dassault Rafale F4 fighter aircraft, with an estimated cost of $35–40 billion (around ₹3.25 lakh crore). This deal, poised to be the largest combat aircraft purchase in India's history, follows approval from the Defence Acquisition Council. A notable aspect of this agreement is that nearly 90 of the jets will be manufactured in India, fostering local defense production and creating jobs. Additionally, India aims to gain access to interface control documents, enabling the integration of indigenous weapons like the Astra missile and BrahMos-NG onto the Rafale jets. The Indian Air Force's existing fleet of 36 Rafale jets provides a foundation for smoother integration and operational readiness. This acquisition is crucial as the Air Force currently has only 29 fighter squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42, amidst rising regional security challenges. The deal also aligns with India's broader strategy to modernize its air power, complementing ongoing domestic fighter programs.
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The Rafale deal will significantly boost India's defense manufacturing capabilities and create jobs, while enhancing the operational strength of the Indian Air Force.
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