The Indian Air Force (IAF) has submitted a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets with an estimated value of more than INR 2 trillion. The plan includes over 60 percent indigenous content through collaboration between Dassault Aviation and Indian aerospace companies such as Tata. If cleared, the procurement would increase the IAF’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, in addition to 36 already in service and another 36 ordered for the Navy.
The acquisition is being pursued under the strategic partnership model. Dassault Aviation would assemble the aircraft in India in partnership with local companies, with Tata among those identified for collaboration. The proposal also includes a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the Rafale’s M-88 engines, to be set up in Hyderabad.
The current IAF proposal is closely linked to Safran’s expanding supplier ecosystem and recent initiatives in India. Safran Aerospace, which manufactures the Rafale’s M-88 engines, has announced plans to establish a new engine MRO hub in Hyderabad to support the expanded Rafale fleet. The company is engaging with Indian suppliers and partners to meet ‘Make in India’ requirements, with its recent supplier conferences and meetings in India aimed at strengthening the domestic aerospace supply chain. These initiatives are focused on supporting Rafale expansion, additional M-88 engine production and maintenance, and future indigenous fighter programmes.
The proposal is currently undergoing inter-ministerial review, including examination by Defence Finance, before being considered by the Defence Procurement Board and subsequently the Defence Acquisition Council.
The Rafale is expected to form part of the IAF’s future fleet alongside Su-30MKI aircraft, 180 ordered LCA Mark-1A jets, and an indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme anticipated after 2035. The new Rafales to be produced in India are planned to feature longer-range air-to-ground missiles and other capability upgrades compared with the existing fleet.
This procurement would represent the largest single defence order placed by India, exceeding the earlier INR 590 billion contract for 36 Rafale jets. The proposal outlines a focus on technology transfer, domestic assembly, and supply-chain development.
Dassault Aviation, headquartered in France, designs and manufactures a range of military and civil aircraft. Its Rafale multirole fighter is in service with several air forces and navies worldwide. In India, the company has previously supplied 36 Rafales directly manufactured in France.
