India Finalizes Request to Purchase 114 French Rafale Fighter Jets

The move is aimed at addressing the Indian Air Force’s shortage of fighter squadrons and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. The proposed deal is estimated to be worth around 3.25 trillion Indian rupees ($39 billion), making it the largest fighter aircraft procurement agreement in India’s history if finalized.

According to the source, the formal request is expected to be sent to France within the next few weeks.

Under the proposed agreement, about 90 of the 114 fighter jets are planned to be manufactured in India through a partnership between French aerospace company Dassault Aviation and an Indian firm. The remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered in fly-away condition.

The source further said that once France responds to the Letter of Request, India will move ahead with issuing a formal “Request for Proposal” as part of the procurement process.