During the course of yesterday, India’s Ministry of Defense announced that it has granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) required to move forward with the acquisition of a fleet of 114 new Rafale fighters from France. These aircraft will reinforce the Air Force’s ranks with the aim of increasing the number of operational squadrons available. Representing a significant step for the institution, the decision is part of a broader package of approvals issued by New Delhi, which also includes the purchase of new missiles and AS-HAPS-type satellites.
Referring to the decision, the Indian Ministry of Defense stated: “The acquisition of MRFA will enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capability to undertake air dominance roles across the full spectrum of conflict and will significantly strengthen the IAF’s deterrence capability with long-range offensive strike. The majority of the MRFA to be acquired will be manufactured in India. The combat missiles will enhance long-range ground attack capability with high lethality and precision.”
Expanding on relevant details, the Indian government is expected to invest an amount estimated at around 325 billion rupees, reflecting the importance of the program for the Air Force and the significant contract opportunity for Dassault. According to previous reports, this would allow the service to initially receive between 12 and 18 aircraft in fly-away condition in order to facilitate and accelerate fleet induction, while the remaining units would be manufactured by the local industry under the “Made in India” policy.
In previous months, Dassault has also taken steps toward establishing a maintenance center for the M88 engines that power the Rafale on Indian territory, specifically in the Hyderabad region, underscoring its intention to strengthen ties with New Delhi and local industrial partners. Beyond the new fleet of 114 aircraft that India aims to finalize in 2026, these facilities could also support maintenance for the 36 Rafales already ordered by the Air Force and the additional 26 units procured for the Navy.
Finally, it is worth considering that the Asian country is seeking to accelerate the procurement of new combat aircraft to replace the recently retired MiG-21 fleet, while also complementing the Su-30MKI fighters that form the backbone of India’s combat aviation. In addition to the acquisition of these new Rafales, the country is awaiting the incorporation of up to 180 domestically produced LCA Tejas Mk1A fighters, while simultaneously advancing the development of its fifth-generation AMCA fighter. Broadly speaking, the Indian Air Force aims to move closer to the 42 operational squadrons defined in its strategic requirements, currently standing at around 29.
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