Big Boost For IAF As India Plans Major Air Power Expansion With 114 New Rafale Jets: Report

New Delhi: India is going to take a big step towards strengthening its air force. According to reports, India is preparing to buy 114 new Rafale fighter aircraft from France. The estimated value of this deal is said to be around Rs 3.25 lakh crore. According to defense sources, India has finalized the Letter of Request or LoR for this procurement process and it can be sent to France in the coming few weeks. This deal is considered very important towards removing the shortage of fighter planes in the Indian Air Force.

Will many Rafale aircraft be made in India also?

According to reports, out of the proposed 114 aircraft, about 90 can be made in India. For this, French company Dassault Aviation will partner with an Indian company. The remaining aircraft will be sent directly from France to India in ready condition. The government is also looking at linking it with the 'Make in India' campaign in the defense sector.

What is the entire process of Rafale purchase?

A letter of request is a formal document sent by the government, through which any defense procurement process is initiated. It mentions the number of aircraft, technical requirements and other capabilities. India will put forward a formal proposal after receiving information related to price, support system and delivery from France. After this, talks will be held between the two countries and finally approval will be taken from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The government wants to complete the agreement by the end of this year.

Is Rafale considered the biggest need of the IAF?

The Indian Air Force has been struggling with the shortage of fighter squadrons for a long time. Defense officials believe that Rafale is a rapidly deployable aircraft capable of completing a variety of missions. Its firepower and modern technology make it different from other aircraft. This is the reason why the Air Force is considering it as the fastest way to increase its strength.

Was Rafale also important in Operation Sindoor?

According to military officials, Rafale aircraft played a very important role during Operation Sindoor last year. It was reported that these aircraft carried out precision strikes inside Pakistan and also carried out electronic warfare missions. Equipped with SCALP-EG cruise missiles and HAMMER bombs, Rafale had completed many operations in a very short time. For this reason, many officers had also described him as the “hero” of Operation Sindoor.