An Indian Air Force Rafale. (File photo)
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has submitted a formal proposal to the defence ministry seeking approval for the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets under the “Make in India” framework, several media outlets reported. If this proposal gets the government’s green signal, it could become the country’s largest defence procurement deal worth approximately ₹2 lakh crore ($24 billion).
According to some of those reports, the proposal, detailed in a “statement of case” submitted to the ministry, envisages manufacturing the aircraft domestically through collaboration between French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Indian aerospace companies, with over 60% indigenous content mandated under government policy.
Operation Sindoor context
The timing of the proposal follows Operation Sindoor in May, during which IAF Rafale jets conducted precision strikes against Pakistani targets. The operation reportedly validated the aircraft’s advanced capabilities, particularly its Spectra electronic warfare suite’s effectiveness against Chinese-manufactured PL-15 air-to-air missiles deployed by Pakistan.
The operation highlighted India’s need for modern fighters capable of countering sophisticated threats from both Pakistan’s Chinese-equipped J-10C aircraft and China’s advanced air platforms, defence analysts said.
Dwindling fighter fleet
The proposal addresses a critical shortage in the IAF’s fighter squadron strength. Currently operating just 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5, the service faces further depletion to potentially 29 squadrons by October 2025 following retirement of the last MiG-21 units.
This decline brings the IAF uncomfortably close to Pakistan’s 25 squadrons, while China maintains 66 squadrons. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of fighter acquisitions, stating additional aircraft were needed “yesterday”.
The declining strength severely hampers India’s ability to maintain air superiority in a potential two-front conflict scenario against Pakistan and China.
Procurement process
The proposal must go through a complex approval process, first clearing the Defence Procurement Board headed by the defence secretary, then advancing to the Defence Acquisition Council headed by the defence minister, and finally requiring the prime minister-headed Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval.
If approved, this would expand India’s total Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, including 36 already inducted by the IAF and 26 ordered by the Indian Navy for its aircraft carriers.
Case for direct purchase
Proponents of bypassing the stalled multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) tender process cite several advantages. Fleet commonality emerges as a primary benefit, with existing infrastructure at Ambala and Hasimara airbases, established pilot training programs, and supply chains already in place.
The existing maintenance ecosystem, including Dassault’s engine servicing facility in Hyderabad, would provide significant cost savings compared to introducing an entirely new platform.
France’s reliability as a defence partner, particularly during periods when other nations had imposed sanctions on India, strengthens arguments for deeper cooperation. Unlike potential American suppliers who may impose operational restrictions, France offers greater strategic autonomy.
Opposition and concerns
Critics point to troubling parallels with India’s defence procurement history, particularly the original MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) tender for 126 fighters cancelled in 2015 after eight years of deliberation.
A retired senior IAF officer told defence analysts that the service tends to delay decisions for years, then acts as if urgency justified abandoning established processes. This pattern “not only loses time and leverage, but also credibility essential to global military commerce”.
Defence analysts question abandoning the MRFA tender, which attracted responses from seven global manufacturers offering eight different platforms, potentially providing better value through competition.
The estimated per-unit cost of approximately $193 million raises concerns about escalation compared to earlier purchases. Former defence minister Manohar Parrikar had previously termed 126 Rafales "economically unviable", leading to the MMRCA cancellation.
Tech and industry considerations
Some analysts highlight concerns about the Rafale’s technological features compared to competitors in the MRFA tender. Current Indian Rafales reportedly use older radar systems compared to newer platforms offered by other manufacturers.
Critics argue the direct purchase approach may not deliver the same level of technology transfer and industrial development as a competitive tender would ensure, despite the 60% indigenous content requirement.
The proposal reflects broader challenges as India faces an increasingly complex security environment. China’s deployment of fifth-generation J-20 and J-35 fighters, combined with Pakistan’s acquisition of advanced Chinese systems, pressures India to rapidly modernize its Air Force.
The decision signals India’s preference for proven western platforms over alternatives like Russia’s Sukhoi-57 or indigenous solutions still under development.
Financial and strategic implications
India’s defence procurement process, spanning 12 complex stages, often results in acquisitions taking twice or three times longer than the 74-118 weeks mandated in procurement manuals. This has created a pattern of interim purchases resulting in diverse arsenals from multiple vendors.
The Rafale decision will significantly impact India’s air-defence capabilities and strategic autonomy. Success or failure of the initiative hinges on balancing immediate operational needs against long-term strategic and fiscal considerations while managing bureaucratic challenges that have historically plagued Indian defence procurement.
The defence ministry has not provided a timeline for the approval process, though past experience suggests significant modifications or delays remain possible before final clearance.
