Indian Air Force Plans to Increase Rafale Fleet to 76 Aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking a direct government-to-government agreement with France to procure an additional 40 Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter jets, as reported by the Indian defence portal Bharat Shakti on April 16, 2025. This initiative aims to swiftly address the long-standing decline in fighter squadron numbers and significantly bolster the IAF’s combat readiness. This acquisition would expand the current fleet of 36 Rafales to a total of 76 aircraft.
The demand for Rafale aircraft is not new for the Indian Air Force; significant interest dates back to 2007 with the launch of the ambitious Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender. Under this programme, India initially planned to purchase 126 new multi-role fighters. The Rafale emerged victorious in 2012 against competitors from the US and Europe. However, protracted negotiations regarding production terms and technology transfer led to the cancellation of the deal in 2015.
A breakthrough occurred in September 2016 during a meeting between French President Francois Hollande and Indian Prime Minister N. Modi, resulting in a new agreement for the direct purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft for approximately €7.8 billion. The final aircraft from this order was delivered to India in December 2022, fulfilling the original contract.
In 2018, India renewed its efforts to modernise the air force through the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, aiming to acquire another 114 advanced combat aircraft. However, this project has yet to yield the expected results. Opting for a direct government deal with France now allows for faster delivery and leverages existing infrastructure and pilot training on the Rafale platform, enabling India to bypass delays associated with the complex MRFA tender process.
Indian Navy to Acquire 26 Modern Rafale Marine Jets
Alongside bolstering its air force, the Indian Navy is also enhancing its capabilities. In early April 2025, the Indian government approved a contract worth approximately $7.4 billion for the purchase of 26 Rafale M naval fighter jets from Dassault Aviation.
Modernising India’s Naval Aviation Units
The deal includes the delivery of 22 single-seat, fully combat-capable Rafale M aircraft and four twin-seat trainer versions. Notably, the twin-seat variants will not be carrier-operable and will be used solely for land-based training.
The Rafale M underwent a rigorous selection process, ultimately being chosen over the competing Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The Navy particularly evaluated the aircraft’s ability to operate from the ski-jump ramp of India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
The naval air wings equipped with the new Rafale Marine aircraft will be based at the INS Dega naval air station in Visakhapatnam. This deployment will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
State-of-the-Art Weaponry and Systems
The agreement also includes advanced weapon systems, such as the long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and SCALP cruise missiles. The Rafale M jets will also feature the latest electronic warfare suites, upgraded radars, helmet-mounted displays (HMDs), and other systems enabling effective electronic combat. Furthermore, the deal incorporates a five-year performance-based logistics support package and a training programme for aircrew and ground personnel.
India Becomes the First Export Customer for Rafale Marine
With the signing of this contract, India becomes the first-ever export customer for the naval variant of the Rafale (Rafale Marine), which until now has been operated exclusively by the French Navy. This also marks the first production run of new Rafale M aircraft since the French Navy received the last aircraft from its original order in 2017.
Pilot Training and Potential Production in India
Indian Navy pilots will undergo intensive training in France, supplemented by simulator training at the INS Hansa naval base in Goa. Additionally, Dassault Aviation is considering establishing a final assembly line for the aircraft in India as part of the country’s “Make in India” industrialisation initiative.
Replacing Ageing MiG-29s and Future Benefits
The introduction of the Rafale M will allow the Indian Navy to replace its ageing fleet of Russian MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft, currently operated by naval squadrons INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers”.
Rafale Contracts Expected to be Confirmed Soon by French Defence Minister
The contract signing with France is anticipated during the visit of French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, to India in April. The first aircraft are scheduled for delivery within four years of the contract signature, with full operational capability expected around 2031.
Sources: AeroTime, Aviacionline, Wikipedia CZ
