India advances $3.25 lakh crore Rafale fighter jet deal with France

France has formally submitted its final technical and commercial proposal for India’s acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets, valued at roughly ₹3.25 lakh crore. The plan calls for 94 aircraft to be manufactured in India under the Make in India programme, with an Indian partner such as Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, while 20 jets will be delivered fly‑away from France to meet urgent operational needs. The deal includes extensive technology transfer, indigenous weapons integration – including the Astra BVR missile and BrahMos‑NG cruise missile – and secure data‑link compatibility with Indian radar and command networks. French firms Dassault Aviation, Safran, Thales and MBDA are expected to participate, with indigenous content projected to reach 50‑60 percent over time. The proposal is now under review by India’s Defence Ministry and the Indian Air Force, marking a decisive step toward a government‑to‑government contract that would make India one of the largest Rafale operators worldwide.