France has submitted a techno-commercial proposal to India for the supply of 114 Rafale fighter jets, taking forward a major defence deal estimated to be worth ₹3.25 lakh crore. The proposal follows a Letter of Request (LOR) sent by the Ministry of Defence in May and marks the beginning of formal negotiations between the two governments.
The deal is part of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, which received approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in February as part of a broader ₹3.6 lakh crore military modernisation plan.
Under the proposed agreement, 20 Rafale jets are expected to be delivered in fly-away condition, while the remaining aircraft will be manufactured in India by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation in partnership with an Indian firm. The project also includes plans for greater localisation, integration of Indian-made weapons, and other India-specific enhancements.
The procurement aims to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently operates around 30 fighter squadrons, well below its sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons. Defence experts have repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for new fighter aircraft, along with additional airborne surveillance and mid-air refuelling capabilities.
The IAF already operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, inducted under an earlier deal with France. These aircraft were deployed during Operation Sindoor in 2025, showcasing their operational capabilities.
Separately, India signed a ₹63,000 crore agreement in 2025 to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2031.
The proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale jets is expected to significantly enhance India’s air combat capabilities and further strengthen the country’s long-standing defence partnership with France.
