India seeks to finalize 114 Rafale fighter jet deal by March

Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh has stated that India is working to finalize a contract to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France by the end of the current financial year, March 27. Negotiations are currently ongoing regarding pricing and other key terms.

The procurement plan aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's combat strength, with a requirement for 36 to 40 new fighter aircraft annually over the coming years. If the deal is completed, the total number of Rafale aircraft in India's inventory—including the 36 currently in service and 26 Rafale-M jets intended for the Navy—could rise to 176.

A significant aspect of the proposed deal is the potential for domestic production, with plans to manufacture 94 of the 114 new aircraft within India. The total value of this major defense acquisition is estimated at approximately 3.25 lakh crore rupees.