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News Topical, Digital Desk : French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting India in the third week of February. He is expected to attend the AI Summit in New Delhi on February 18th. Preparations for the French President's visit have begun. The French President's visit to India is a significant one for the Indian defense sector. The bilateral discussions between India and France during Macron's visit include the proposal to purchase the Rafale jets. This deal involves the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, costing approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore.
According to news agency ANI, India's Defence Acquisition Board gave preliminary approval to the proposal last month, and it is expected to be discussed at a high-level meeting with India's Defence Minister next week. This deal is considered extremely important given the Indian Air Force's operational needs and current security situation.
How many Rafales does India have right now?
The timing of discussions about purchasing Rafale aircraft from France is significant. The Indian Air Force currently has approximately 30 fighter squadrons, far short of its approved strength of 42. Defense experts point to the growing strategic and military alliances between Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as Pakistan and China, as factors exacerbating India's regional security concerns.
Why is Rafale special?
The Rafale project is extremely significant for the Indian Air Force. Acquiring multirole fighter aircraft with a range of over 4.5 generations will enhance India's offensive air power. The Air Force has long been facing a shortage of lethal fighter aircraft, which this Rafale deal will address. According to the proposal, as part of efforts to boost defense production in India, 80 percent of the 114 Rafale aircraft will be manufactured in India.
Indian Air Force to have 150 Rafales in its fleet
According to sources, the Indian Air Force will purchase 88 single-seater and 26 twin-seater aircraft. Most will be produced in India by French manufacturer De Sault and Indian private sector companies. After the deal is completed, the number of Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force's fleet will increase to approximately 150.
The Rafale
deal for 114 Rafales is significant because of its impressive performance during Operation Sindoor . India's precision strikes during this period forced Pakistan to surrender. The Rafale is a 4.5-gen fighter jet, considered far superior to the Pakistani JF-17. Furthermore, the Indian Air Force currently has 36 Rafale fighters, while the Navy has also placed an order for 36 Rafales in the new variant.
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