The Indian Air Force has submitted a proposal to the Defence Ministry to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets under a “Make in India” framework. The deal is estimated at over ₹2 lakh crore and envisages more than 60% indigenous content, involving Indian aerospace companies in production. The proposal has been received recently and is now being reviewed by various wings of the Defence Ministry.
What the Proposal Covers
- The proposal seeks 114 Rafale jets to be built by French firm Dassault Aviation in collaboration with Indian aerospace firms.
- It aims for 60%+ indigenous content, meaning major components, manufacturing, and maintenance would be done in India.
- Once approved, the deal would bring the total Rafale fleet for India’s defence forces (Air Force + Navy) to about 176 aircraft (36 already inducted in IAF + 36 marine-variant Rafales for Navy + the 114 new ones).
Process & Status
- The proposal (Statement of Case, SoC) was submitted by the IAF a few days ago and has reached the Defence Ministry.
- It is currently under review by Defence Finance and will then go before the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), followed by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).
Strategic & Operational Context
- The deal aligns with India’s push for defence self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative.
- There is operational urgency: the IAF is reportedly facing declining squadron strength as older aircraft are retired, and there is growing threat perception from neighbouring adversaries.
- The proposal also includes setting up a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility for the Rafale’s M88 engines in Hyderabad.
Implications & Challenges
Implications:
- If cleared, this would be India’s largest defence procurement deal in terms of value for fighter jets.
- Boost to India’s defence manufacturing industrial base — increased jobs, tech transfer, local supply chains.
- Strengthening of IAF’s combat capability — increased fleet strength, better readiness.
Challenges:
- Ensuring that the 60% indigenous content target is met without compromising on quality, delivery timelines, and operational capability.
- Cost control and budgetary approvals: such large-scale agreements require careful financing, long-term commitments.
- Scalability in infrastructure, skilled labour, and regulatory approvals to meet production demands.
- Diplomacy & technology transfer issues with France / Dassault, especially concerning critical components.
Conclusion
The IAF’s proposal to purchase 114 Rafale jets in a “Made in India” framework for over ₹2 lakh crore marks a significant step in India’s defence modernization strategy. If implemented, it could redefine India’s fighter jet fleet strength, bring substantial industrial growth, and reinforce the policy of self-reliance in defence. However, multiple layers of approval remain, and execution will demand rigorous oversight, capacity building, and timely delivery.
