The Indian Air Force plans to order 114 more Rafale fighter jets to modernize its fleet and replace the aging Soviet-made MiG-21s, whose retirement will reduce the number of squadrons from 31 to 29, the lowest in the institution’s history.
The decision follows delays in the MRFA tender, launched in 2008 to address the gap with Russian Su-30MKI jets, and reflects the Rafale’s involvement in operations like Operation Sindoor, which included strikes on Pakistani targets with SCALP-EG missiles.
The interest in French jets is also tied to the expansion of India’s defense industry within the Rafale program, allowing aircraft to be purchased for both the Air Force and the Navy, with future orders for new aircraft carriers expected.
This initiative strengthens India’s strategic commitment to enhancing its combat capabilities with modern, advanced technology aircraft.
As part of the agreement, Dassault Aviation has signed contracts with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to produce Rafale fuselages in India, at a new plant in Hyderabad. This unprecedented measure outside of France aligns with the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” policies, promoting technology transfer and local production, while solidifying cooperation between France and India in the defense sector.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @Armee_de_lair | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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