The Indian Ministry of Defense is likely to discuss this ₹3.25 crore proposal to buy 114 Rafale jets from France next week, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to New Delhi in the third week of February.
“The proposal is likely to be taken up for discussion at a high-level meeting of the Defense Ministry next week and is considered essential to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force in view of the current security scenario in the region,” ANI reported citing Defense Ministry sources.
What you should know about the Rafale deal
The proposal to buy 114 Rafale jets by the Indian Air Force (IAF) received its first approval from the Defense Purchase Board last month.
The deal is expected to help the IAF meet its requirement for a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft and increase its squadron strength.
Currently, the IAF operates around 30 fighter squadrons, against its approved strength of 42 squadrons.
The ₹3.25 lakh proposal is expected to boost the domestic economy, with around 80% of the 114 Rafale aircraft planned to be manufactured in India.
ANI, citing Defense Ministry sources, also reported that the IAF is looking for 88 single-seat and 26 two-seat jets for the project, with most of the aircraft being manufactured in India in collaboration between Dassault Aviation and Indian private firms.
Once the deal is finalized, the IAF will have a fleet of 150 Rafale aircraft, while the Indian Navy will have 26 carrier-compatible versions of the French fighters.
Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India
In January, French President Macron confirmed that he would visit India for the first-ever Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence held in the Global South.
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the French AI Action Summit, is scheduled to be held on 19-20 February in Delhi.
Macron, according to ANI, is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on February 18.
