India is set to discuss a major defence deal this week. The country plans to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. The deal is worth around Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
Key Details of the Rafale Proposal
Top defence sources revealed the proposal details. The Indian Air Force will acquire 12 to 18 Rafale jets in fly-away condition. The remaining jets will be manufactured in India. These Made in India Rafales will have about 30 percent indigenous content.
High-Level Meeting Scheduled
A high-level Defence Ministry meeting will take place in the next few days. Officials will discuss the proposal thoroughly. India wants France to allow integration of Indian weapons and systems into the Rafale jets. This is part of the government-to-government deal.
However, the source codes for the aircraft will stay with the French side. This is a standard practice in such international defence agreements.
Strategic Timing and Competitors
India is moving forward with this deal at an interesting time. Both the United States and Russia have offered their fifth-generation fighters to India. The US has the F-35, while Russia promotes the Su-57. Despite these options, India is focusing on the Rafale.
The indigenous content requirement is notable. Make in India deals typically demand 50 to 60 percent local content. The Rafale deal proposes only 30 percent. If approved, this will become India's largest-ever defence deal.
Current Rafale Fleet and Future Numbers
The Indian military already operates Rafale jets. The Indian Air Force has 36 of these aircraft. The Indian Navy placed orders for 26 Rafales last year. Adding 114 new jets will bring the total to 176 Rafales in Indian service.
Approval Process and Recent Performance
The Indian Air Force prepared the Statement of Case months ago. The Defence Ministry received this proposal recently. Once the ministry approves it, the Cabinet Committee on Security must give final clearance.
The push for this deal gained momentum after the Rafale's excellent performance. During Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, the Rafale performed superbly. It effectively countered Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles using its Spectra Electronic Warfare suite.
Manufacturing and Maintenance Plans
The indigenous content in Made in India Rafales may eventually exceed 60 percent. France also plans to set up a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Hyderabad. This facility will focus on the M-88 engines used in Rafale jets.
Dassault, the French aerospace company, has already established a firm in India. This entity will handle maintenance for French-origin fighter jets. Indian companies like Tata are likely to participate in the manufacturing process.
India's Fighter Jet Requirements
India urgently needs to induct new fighter jets. The growing threat perception in the region drives this requirement. The Indian Air Force's future force structure will rely on several aircraft types.
The primary components will include:
- Su-30 MKI jets
- Rafale fighter jets
- Indigenous fighter jet projects
India has already ordered 180 LCA Mark 1A jets. The country also plans to induct indigenous fifth-generation fighters in large numbers after 2035.
This Rafale deal represents a significant step in strengthening India's air defence capabilities. It combines international collaboration with efforts to boost domestic manufacturing through the Make in India initiative.
