India Plans Potential ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence Deal With France for 114 Rafale Jets

India is preparing to enter discussions with France over a potential defence deal worth approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets, according to defence sources.

Under the proposed agreement, India would procure 114 Rafale combat aircraft from France. The Indian Ministry of Defence is expected to begin formal discussions on the deal, with a high-level meeting scheduled to take place later this week, reports said.

The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, while the Navy placed an order for 26 Rafales last year. If the new deal is approved, it would become India’s largest-ever defence procurement, bringing the total number of Rafale aircraft in Indian service to 176.

Senior defence officials said that of the 114 jets, India would receive 18 aircraft in fly-away condition, while the remaining aircraft would be manufactured in India. The domestically produced jets would incorporate Indian technology, with around 30 percent indigenous components, according to sources.

Meanwhile, another crucial meeting on the issue is expected to be held next week by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence procurement body under the Ministry of Defence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to chair the meeting.