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Rafale Fighter Jets Deal: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved an initial proposal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation for Rs 3.25 trillion ($280.4 billion) on Thursday, the news agency, Reuters reported, citing sources. The development came ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's three-day official visit to India, commencing on February 17. He will participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 19.

The Ministry of Defence said the Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the Services at an estimated value of about Rs 3.60 lakh crore, on February 12, 2026. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), AoN was approved for the procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) {Rafale}, Combat Missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS). 

By 2030, India will have a total of 62 Rafale jets in service, including 26 Rafale-M aircraft, making it the first country to operate both versions of the Rafale aircraft after France. The addition of the Rafale-M will significantly strengthen India’s air and naval power, ensuring dominance in both the skies and at sea, while reinforcing the nation's sovereignty.

ALSO READ: IAF Seeks 114 More Rafale Jets Ahead Of French President Macron's India Visit, DAC Nod Expected

According to media reports, the fighter jets squadron strength of India reduced to 29-30 in recent months, well below the approved number of 42. Recently in September, IAF's MiG-21 was retired, thinning India's air prowess. Other top fighter jects - the MiG-29, the Anglo-French Jaguar and the French Mirage 2000 - are also set to retire in the coming years.

French Aircraft Give India Advantage Over Pakistan, China 

India has the Rafale fighter jets, one of the world's most advanced 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jets, which pose a significant challenge to Pakistan and China. Rafale's main strengths: Meteor missile — It is the world's longest-range air-to-air missile (150+ km), capable of engaging an enemy from a very long distance, while Pakistan's JF-17 or J-10C have missiles like the PL-15, but the Rafale Meteor combination is considered superior. Pakistan primarily possesses fighter jets like the JF-17 Thunder (Chinese-Pakistani), the F-16, and the J-10C.

On the other hand, China does have hundreds of aircraft like the J-20 (5th-generation stealth), J-16, and J-10C, but the Rafale still poses a threat because on the Himalayan border, where stealth is less advantageous due to altitude and weather. The Rafale's superior sensors, Meteor missile, and electronic warfare capabilities can challenge even the J-20.

Rafale-Marine To Enhance India's Naval Strength

Earlier on April 28, 2025, India signed a significant defence agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore. This includes 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seat jets. This deal marks India's first acquisition of the naval variant of the Rafale, making it the first international operator of this model. The deal also covered pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment, and long-term maintenance support. In addition, it includes extra gear for the Rafale jets already being used by the Indian Air Force. In line with the government's thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes Transfer of Technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India.

ALSO READ: India Moves Closer To Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Mega Deal For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets Ahead Of Macron Visit

Rafale-Marine: Indian Navy’s Next-Generation Fighter Jet

The Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) is a powerful, advanced fighter jet designed to operate from aircraft carriers at sea. Unlike regular fighter jets that take off from land, this aircraft can launch from and land on moving ships, even in tough sea conditions. It is built by Dassault Aviation of France and is already getting used by the French Navy. The recent agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M aircraft from France will enhance the Navy’s fleet, with these jets capable of operating from both carriers. The Rafale-M jets will be used for missions like air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, and shore strikes. The aircraft will help the Navy target enemy fighter jets, ensuring the air defence capability of the fleet and allowing the Navy to exercise control over the seas while staying outside enemy weapon ranges. The Rafale-M jets will also improve the Navy’s ability to prevent adversaries from gaining maritime domain awareness, weakening their ability to provide targeting information to other platforms. These aircraft’s induction will greatly enhance the Navy’s overall operational reach and strength.

Strategic Importance For India

The introduction of the Rafale will significantly bolster the Indian Airforce and Navy's operational capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. It addresses the limitations of the existing MiG-29K fleet and provides a modern, reliable platform for various missions.

(With Reuters Inputs)


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