Indian Air Force Plans To Acquire 114 More Rafale Jets, Around 90 To Be Made In India

India is moving ahead with a major expansion of its Rafale jets fleet, with the government finalising a Letter of Request to acquire 114 fighter aircraft from France. Officials target signing the contract by the end of this year, aiming to reinforce the Indian Air Force and address the current shortfall in fighter squadrons.

The Rafale acquisition is expected to help close the gap between existing and approved squadron strength. The Indian Air Force now operates 29 fighter squadrons, while the sanctioned strength stands at 42. Officials said the planned induction of 114 Rafale jets would provide a crucial capability boost until domestic fighter projects become fully operational.

Rafale jets deal structure and local production

According to officials quoted in the Indian Express report, close to 90 of the 114 Rafale jets are planned for manufacture in India. Dassault Aviation is expected to work with an Indian partner for local production, while the remaining aircraft are set to arrive in fly-away condition. This model is designed to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing and support jobs.

The new Rafale jets deal is expected to feature indigenous content of nearly 50 per cent. Officials said India has been pushing for technical access, including Interface Control Documents, which describe how aircraft systems interact with weapons and sensors. This access is considered important for integrating Indian weapons with Rafale jets produced or operated in the country.

Rafale jets integration with indigenous weapons

Defence planners hope these technical arrangements will allow Rafale jets to carry Indian-made weapons such as Astra air-to-air missiles and BrahMos variants. Officials indicate that while India is seeking broad integration rights, full access to the Rafale source code is unlikely. Even so, the focus remains on ensuring compatibility with key indigenous systems over the coming years.

The Rafale is viewed as the quickest option to strengthen India’s air power in the near term. Because the Indian Air Force already flies 36 Rafale jets, officials said pilot conversion, ground crew training and infrastructure upgrades should be faster and cheaper. Shared platforms are also expected to simplify logistics and maintenance planning for future operations.

Rafale jets procurement route and approval chain

The Letter of Request is a formal government document used for government-to-government purchases, including under the Foreign Military Sales or Intergovernmental Agreement route. It sets out required capability, aircraft numbers and technical specifications. The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the Rafale proposal three months ago, after which officials completed work on the Letter of Request.

Once France replies with pricing, availability timelines and support details, India is expected to issue a formal Request for Proposal. Negotiations between the two governments would then begin, covering costs, industrial work-share and support packages. The Cabinet Committee on Security must approve the final terms before any contract for 114 Rafale jets is signed.

Rafale jets and Indian fighter modernisation plans

Officials said the Rafale order would act as a bridge until India’s indigenous fighter programmes mature. Current projects include the LCA Mk1A, LCA Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, which is a fifth-generation fighter programme. The AMCA is expected to join operational service only after 2035, leaving a capability gap during the coming decade.

Alongside Rafale jets, India is also weighing options for another fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Russia has already shared information on its Su-57 fighter with Indian authorities. However, officials said no decision has been taken on that proposal, as assessments and studies on costs, technology and long-term support are still continuing.

Current Rafale jets fleet and planned naval induction

India already operates 36 Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force, which are based at two air stations. These aircraft have been integrated into frontline operations and exercises. In parallel, the Indian Navy is preparing to induct 26 Rafale-M aircraft for carrier operations in the coming years, adding another dimension to Rafale use in Indian service.

Officials believe expanding the Rafale jets fleet will help reduce training, maintenance and logistical costs over time. Shared simulators, spares, weapons and support infrastructure are expected to reduce duplication between Air Force and Navy units. This commonality is considered useful for both budget planning and wartime readiness, given India’s operational requirements on multiple fronts.

Rafale jets performance and role in Operation Sindoor

The Rafale has already featured in Indian military planning for regional contingencies. During Operation Sindoor, Rafale jets reportedly carried out deep-strike missions using SCALP-EG cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided bombs. Reports said these missions bypassed Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems and hit selected targets with high accuracy over long ranges.

Military officials reportedly described Rafale jets as the "hero" of Operation Sindoor, saying the aircraft completed key operations within 30 minutes while carrying out precision attacks and electronic warfare missions in Pakistan last year. The performance during that operation is seen as one of the reasons for favouring an expanded Rafale fleet for future tasks.

The latest Rafale jets push, including the Letter of Request and planned local production, fits into India’s wider effort to strengthen air power while growing domestic defence manufacturing. With squadron numbers under pressure and indigenous projects still progressing, the proposed 114-aircraft deal is positioned as a central element in India’s medium-term air combat planning.