India’s defence preparedness is set for a significant upgrade, with the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) on Friday approving a proposal to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from French aviation manufacturer Dassault Aviation. The approval marks a decisive step in India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air combat capabilities amid rising regional security challenges.
According to defence sources, the proposal will now be submitted to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for further scrutiny. The final clearance is expected from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which oversees India’s strategic defence procurements.
The approval follows a formal request from the Indian Air Force (IAF) last year seeking 114 additional Rafale jets to reinforce its fighter fleet. These jets are expected to strengthen India’s aerial deterrence and enhance operational readiness across multiple theatres. Sources indicate that India and France could sign the definitive contract as early as next month, paving the way for rapid induction of the aircraft.
“The acquisition of these 114 Rafale jets is a critical step in India’s strategic modernization program, reinforcing the IAF’s ability to meet evolving threats while ensuring technological self-reliance through local production initiatives,” a defence official said.
This new procurement comes on the heels of a landmark Rs 63,000 crore agreement signed in April last year for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, intended to bolster the Indian Navy’s maritime air combat capabilities. Under that deal, India secured 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainer aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2031. The latest proposal to acquire 114 additional jets will further enhance the IAF’s strike, interception, and multi-role operational capabilities.
The procurement will be conducted under an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) framework, ensuring that deliveries are made directly from France without intermediaries, thereby streamlining acquisition timelines and safeguarding strategic interests. The IGA model also allows for enhanced collaboration in technology transfer, manufacturing, and maintenance support.
Significantly, India’s partnership with France extends beyond procurement. In June, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed four production transfer agreements aimed at establishing a robust local aerospace manufacturing base. These agreements focus on producing fuselage sections for the Rafale aircraft within India, a step that strengthens both domestic aerospace capabilities and the country’s position in global supply chains.
Under the agreements, Tata Advanced Systems will establish a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad, capable of manufacturing key structural components, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front fuselage sections. The facility is projected to deliver the first fuselage sections in the fiscal year 2028, with an eventual capacity of producing up to two complete fuselages per month.
“This initiative is transformative for India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem,” said an official involved in the program. “By producing critical fuselage sections locally, India not only enhances its strategic autonomy but also positions itself as a competitive player in the global aerospace market.”
The Rafale, a multi-role fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation, is renowned for its advanced avionics, radar systems, and versatility across air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft has been central to India’s air modernization plans, providing the IAF with a potent platform capable of undertaking complex operations in diverse combat scenarios.
Analysts suggest that the acquisition of 114 additional Rafales could significantly tilt the regional air power balance. With its upgraded radar, electronic warfare systems, and weapons payload, the jet enhances India’s ability to conduct long-range strikes and maintain air superiority in a high-threat environment.
The move also aligns with India’s broader push for indigenous production and technological self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative. By collaborating with Tata Advanced Systems, India is ensuring that critical skills and technologies remain within the country, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers over time.
Defense experts note that integrating the new jets will require extensive pilot training, infrastructure augmentation, and the development of maintenance ecosystems. The twin-seater trainer variants included in the deal are expected to play a key role in fast-tracking pilot readiness and operational integration.
The 114 Rafale jets are expected to complement India’s existing fleet of over 30 Rafale aircraft currently in service, which have already demonstrated operational efficiency in exercises and strategic deployments. This latest expansion underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a credible, modern air force capable of safeguarding national interests across land, air, and maritime domains.
In addition to enhancing combat capabilities, the deal reflects India’s growing defence diplomacy with France. The countries have nurtured a long-term strategic partnership, with defence procurement, joint exercises, and technology sharing serving as core pillars. Analysts believe that such agreements strengthen India’s position in the Indo-Pacific, offering deterrence against potential adversaries while fostering high-tech industrial cooperation.
With the Defence Procurement Board’s nod, India is now poised to formalize its next big step in fighter jet modernization. Once the Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security give their approval, India will move closer to operationalizing one of its most ambitious air force expansion programs in recent decades.
The acquisition of these 114 additional Rafale fighter jets is more than a procurement exercise; it represents India’s strategic intent to safeguard its airspace, enhance regional stability, and build a self-reliant defence industrial base capable of meeting future challenges.
