India has given the green light to the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets under the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) program, significantly reinforcing its combat aviation.
The decision was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council and предусматривает that 18 aircraft will be delivered fully built by the French manufacturer, while the remaining 96 will be produced domestically. The new batch will be the most modern F4 version, with the possibility of a future upgrade to the F5 standard, while the current F3R aircraft in service are also expected to be modernized.
The move comes amid New Delhi’s efforts to rebuild the strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently operates below the number of squadrons considered ideal in light of potential simultaneous threats from China and Pakistan. With the retirement of older aircraft such as the MiG-21 and, in the future, the Jaguar, the number of squadrons has fallen to 29—well short of the target of 42. The acquisition of the Rafale is seen as a strategic measure to narrow this gap.
The agreement also marks a new chapter following the cancellation, in 2015, of the original MMRCA program, which had envisaged extensive local production. At the time, contractual and industrial disputes led the government to opt for a direct purchase of 36 ready-made fighters. Now, the plan revives the idea of large-scale domestic manufacturing, although debates remain over the actual share of local content and the level of technology transfer involved.
In addition to strengthening the Air Force, the Rafale has also been selected by the Indian Navy to operate from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, increasing fleet standardization. The new F4 version will bring improvements in sensors, communications, and the integration of modern weapon systems. Meanwhile, indigenous projects such as the fifth-generation AMCA and the LCA Mk2 continue in development, making the Rafale an essential solution for ensuring India’s operational capability in the coming years.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @RealAirPower1 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
In the context of the 114 Rafale deal, French media reports that India will not have access to the source code of Rafale’s avionics and EW systems.
This restriction will limit IAF ability to independently integrate certain sensors/weapons without support from French-based OEMs. pic.twitter.com/0qi290FyXj
— Rishav Gupta (ऋषव गुप्ता) | 🇮🇳 (@connect_rishav) February 15, 2026
