India has taken a significant step in bolstering its air force by issuing a Letter of Request (LoR) to France for the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets, valued at around ₹3.25 lakh crore. This deal, confirmed by sources in the Defence Ministry, includes the manufacturing of 94 jets in India through a partnership with Dassault Aviation. The French government is expected to respond to the LoR within the next two to three months, with negotiations likely concluding within a year. This acquisition comes amid India's urgent need to enhance its fighter aircraft fleet, as it currently faces a shortage of squadrons. The Indian Air Force has already ordered 62 Rafale jets, and this new order will raise the total to 176 jets. Additionally, the Indian Navy has expressed interest in acquiring 31 more Rafale aircraft. The Defence Ministry's focus on this project aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative, as it marks the first instance of Rafale jets being manufactured outside France, ensuring significant levels of localization and integration of Indian systems.