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by Suryaa |
New Delhi: The Defence Ministry has started reviewing a major Indian Air Force (IAF) plan to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets under a “Made in India” model. The project, in partnership with French firm Dassault Aviation and Indian aerospace companies, is valued at more than ?2 lakh crore. Over 60 percent of the aircraft is expected to be built with Indian content.
The proposal will be examined by the Defence Procurement Board, led by the Defence Secretary, in the coming weeks. If cleared, the deal would significantly expand India’s Rafale fleet. The IAF already has 36 Rafales, while another 36 have been ordered for the Indian Navy. With this addition, the total number could reach 176.
Officials said the Rafale’s strong combat record has influenced the push for expansion. During Operation Sindoor, the aircraft reportedly outperformed China’s PL-15 missiles using its advanced Spectra electronic warfare system. The Indian-built versions are also expected to carry new long-range air-to-ground missiles, more advanced than the Scalp used in earlier strikes on Pakistan.
To support the program, Dassault plans to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub for Rafale’s M-88 engines in Hyderabad. Indian companies, including Tata, are likely to play a major role in production and supply chains.
For the IAF, the deal is seen as critical to strengthening its future combat force. The Rafales would join the existing Su-30 MKIs and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A, of which 180 are already on order. India also plans to induct an indigenous fifth-generation fighter after 2035, but until then, the Rafale is expected to be a key pillar of air power.
If approved, this would be one of India’s biggest defence projects, blending advanced foreign technology with domestic manufacturing.
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