In a decisive bid to address dwindling fighter strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pressing for a government-to-government (G2G) deal with France to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets. The move aims to bypass the long-delayed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender and accelerate induction.
The MRFA programme, pending for nearly eight years and valued at over ₹1.2 lakh crore, was originally intended to field a new generation of multi-role fighters. Most of the jets were planned for domestic production under foreign collaboration, in line with the “Make in India” initiative.
Urgency After Operation Sindoor
The push comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where Rafale jets executed precision long-range strikes against Pakistani targets. The operation reinforced the aircraft’s combat effectiveness, despite Pakistan’s unsubstantiated claims of shooting them down.
With the IAF set to retire its remaining MiG-21 fleet next month, fighter strength will drop to 29 squadrons—far below the sanctioned 42.5 needed to counter the twin challenge from China and Pakistan. This shortfall is further compounded by China’s expected delivery of at least 40 fifth-generation J-35A stealth fighters to Pakistan.
Practical and Logistical Advantage
The IAF contends that acquiring more Rafales through a direct deal is both faster and more cost-effective than launching a global competition. Existing infrastructure at Ambala and Hasimara, which already host Rafale squadrons, would allow seamless integration without new support systems.
The timeline advantage is significant—avoiding the multi-year delays typical of global tenders. The Navy’s parallel acquisition of 26 Rafale-M jets for carrier operations by 2028–2030 would also create cross-service commonality in training, spares, and logistics.
Also Read: Operation Sindoor: IAF Chief Confirms S-400 Downed Five Pakistani Fighter Jets, AWACS & Destroyed F-16s on Ground
Strategic Expansion Plans
Beyond the Rafale deal, the IAF envisions inducting two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters as an interim measure until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) enters service by 2035. Options like Russia’s Su-57 and the US F-35 remain under consideration, though no formal negotiations have commenced.
Bypassing MRFA Delays
The MRFA process, launched nearly a decade ago, has faced repeated delays over technical, commercial, and procedural issues. The IAF argues that a G2G Rafale purchase would bypass bureaucratic roadblocks, delivering urgently needed capability at a time of heightened security threats.
Strategic Continuity Across Services
The Rafale expansion aligns with India’s broader defence modernisation plans, promoting interoperability between the Air Force and Navy while deepening strategic ties with France. It also complements ongoing efforts to boost domestic aerospace manufacturing, with the private sector working alongside DRDO and public sector undertakings.
