Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 25: India is set to procure 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal estimated at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore, giving a major boost to the combat strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to reports, India has finalised the Letter of Request (LoR) for the acquisition and is expected to send it to France within the next few weeks. The move marks a significant step in the long-pending effort to modernise the Air Force and address the shortage of fighter squadrons.
Officials said nearly 90 of the 114 aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India through a partnership between Dassault Aviation and an Indian firm, while the remaining jets would be delivered in fly-away condition.
The LoR is a formal government-to-government document used to initiate procurement under the Foreign Military Sales or Intergovernmental Agreement route. It specifies the required capabilities, quantity and technical requirements of the fighter aircraft.
The proposal for acquiring additional Rafale jets had earlier received clearance from the Defence Acquisition Council around three months ago, following which the LoR was prepared.
Once France responds with details related to pricing, availability and logistical support, India will formally issue the Request for Proposal. After negotiations between both countries, the final agreement will require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security before the contract is signed. The Centre is reportedly aiming to finalise the deal by the end of this year.
Defence officials view the Rafale jets as the quickest solution for strengthening India’s short-term air combat capabilities, citing their rapid induction, operational flexibility and interoperability.
Reports also claimed that Rafale jets equipped with SCALP-EG cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided bombs successfully carried out deep-strike missions while evading Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems.
Military officials reportedly described the Rafale as the “hero” of Operation Sindoor, stating that the aircraft completed crucial missions within 30 minutes while conducting precision strikes and electronic warfare operations in Pakistan last year.