India Rafale Jets Deal: The Defence Ministry has sent a Letter of Request to France for 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The deal is said to be worth about ₹3.25 lakh crore. Reports say the request was sent through the Acquisition Wing, and France is expected to reply in about 2 to 3 months. The talks may be finished in around one year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to visit France, and the deal may come up there too.
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What the deal plans to do
The proposal is not only about buying aircraft. It is also about making a lot of the work in India. Current reports say 94 of the 114 jets will be built in India by Dassault Aviation with an Indian partner. The rest will come from France in fly-away form. This would be the first time Rafale is made outside France. The plan is also linked to around 50% localisation and the use of Indian weapons and systems.
Why India wants more Rafales
India wants these jets because the Air Force still has a fighter shortage. Reports say the IAF now has only about 30 squadrons, while the approved strength is 42. The Air Force already has 36 Rafales, and the Navy has ordered 26 more Rafale-M jets. If this new plan goes through, India’s total Rafale count could rise to 176. Some reports also say the Navy may want more later, which could take the total even higher.
Make in India
This deal is being seen as a major win for “Make in India”. It would bring more work into the country and help build a stronger defence industry. It may also help create jobs, skills, and more aerospace work inside India. On February 12, 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council gave its first approval to the plan. By June 1 and June 2, 2026, India had already moved to the next stage by sending the Letter of Request to France.
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The deal also fits into the larger India-France defence partnership. Both countries already work together on aircraft, submarines, missiles, and other defence projects. With this Rafale plan, the two sides are moving even closer in air power and industrial cooperation.
