Big Rafale deal on table as Macron visits India this month

New Delhi: Ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India later this month, the Defence Ministry is likely to discuss a massive ₹3.25 lakh crore proposal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The plan, which received initial clearance from the Defence Procurement Board last month, is expected to be reviewed in a high-level meeting next week. Officials say the deal is crucial as the IAF currently operates only around 30 fighter squadrons, well below its sanctioned strength of 42.

The new Rafale jets are expected to strengthen India’s air power amid rising regional security concerns, especially growing cooperation between Pakistan and China, and Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Under the proposal, the IAF will receive 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat Rafale aircraft. Around 80 per cent of these jets are planned to be manufactured in India through partnerships between French firm Dassault Aviation and Indian private companies, boosting domestic defence production.

Once the deal is completed, India’s total Rafale fleet will rise to nearly 150 aircraft, including jets for the Navy’s aircraft carriers.

French President Macron is expected to visit New Delhi for the AI Summit on February 18, adding momentum to the defence talks.