IAF to get 114 Rafale jets as Rajnath Singh-led defence council approves India-France military deal

New Delhi: In a major boost to its capabilities the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to get 114 Rafale fighter jets from in a major defence deal between India and France. This is a major defence deal, which is estimated to be worth a whopping Rs 3.25 lakh crore. This deal has been aproved by Defence Minister Rajanth Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). Officials told the media that a deal to purchase 6 P8i aircraft for the Indian Navy has also been approved.

What are details of India-France Rafale deal?

To enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force and Navy, the Defence Acquisition Council has approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets and six P-81 maritime patrol aircraft. This decision was made in a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.

According to media reports, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The total cost of this deal is estimated to be approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore. The Council also approved the purchase of six P-81 maritime patrol aircraft to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy. However, after the Defence Acquisition Council's approval, this deal will also require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision by the Defence Acquisition Council comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a severe aircraft shortage. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently has only 29 fighter aircraft squadrons in service.

How many Rafale will be manufactured in India?

According to this proposal, India will purchase 18 Rafale aircraft directly from the French company Dassault Aviation. The remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured in India. Some of these aircraft will be two-seater aircraft and will be used for pilot training. This deal also includes providing India with modern technology and promoting 'Make in India'.

Will the Indian Navy also get Rafale aircraft?

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet already includes 36 Rafale aircraft in two squadrons, with the last delivery of the 'C' variant in December 2024. In addition, the Indian Navy has also ordered 26 Rafale aircraft of the 'M' variant, valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore. These Rafale aircraft will operate from the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers. The deal also includes repairs, maintenance, essential supplies, and personnel training for the aircraft.

Rafale jets were used in Operation Sindoor. India deployed Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor, a high-precision strike against Pakistani targets, following the Pahalgam terror attack in May last year. The Rafale jets were used to launch the SCALP missile, which can deliver highly accurate strikes over 250 kilometers. They are also equipped with Meteor air-to-air missiles, Hammer weapons, the Spectra electronic warfare system, and advanced radar.