India secures record Rafale fighter deal with France

India has finalized a mega‑order for 114 Rafale combat jets, the largest export contract ever signed by Dassault Aviation. The deal will involve the French defence industrial base—Dassault, Safran, Thales and MBDA—over the coming decade and will boost France’s position as the world’s second‑largest arms exporter. While the contract strengthens ties with New Delhi, it also highlights that the French Air Force operates roughly 100 Rafales, leaving the client nation with a larger fleet than its producer.

Following a recent loss of a Rafale to a Chinese‑made J‑10C missile‑armed aircraft in a clash with Pakistan, India is accelerating plans to acquire a fifth‑generation stealth fighter. Options under review include Russia’s Su‑57, with a possible purchase of two squadrons and licensed production in India, and the American F‑35, which was set aside in February 2025 in favour of joint‑design partnerships. India’s indigenous AMCA program remains years away from operational service.