A French Air and Area Drive Rafale fighter jet takes off from Air Base 120 in Cazaux, south-western France, on January 29, 2026, throughout the TOPAZE 2026 train. The TOPAZE 2026 train exams speedy redeployment capabilities and operational response in simulated high-intensity fight situations. (Picture by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Philippe Lopez | Afp | Getty Photographs
India authorised the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France on Thursday, marking one in all its largest plane orders, forward of French President Emmanuel Macron’s go to to the nation.
The approval was a part of New Delhi’s 3.6 trillion rupee ($39.7 billion) defence spending package deal masking a number of acquisitions throughout the armed forces.
The Defence Ministry didn’t specify what number of plane can be ordered. Native media reported that India will buy 114 Rafale jets, with 18 equipped by producer Dassault and the remaining 96 manufactured domestically.
The broader package deal contains Boeing P8I Poseidon reconnaissance plane for its navy, anti-tank mines for its floor forces, and upgrades to its Soviet-era T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry preventing automobiles.
The brand new plane are anticipated to assist handle a shortfall within the Indian air drive, which operates 29 squadrons in opposition to a minimal requirement of 42, in keeping with a 2024 parliamentary report.
The air drive most just lately retired two squadrons of Chilly Battle-era MiG-21 fighters in September 2025, and is predicted to part out further plane within the coming years.
The Rafale buy follows one other order in April for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for India’s Navy. Dassault mentioned India would turn out to be the primary person outdoors France to function this variant.
Rafale jets had been utilized by the Indian Air Drive throughout its 2025 battle with Pakistan, when not less than one plane was reported misplaced in fight in opposition to Islamabad’s Chinese language-made J-10Cs.
Macron, who shall be in India from Feb. 17 to 19, is scheduled to fulfill Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to debate increasing bilateral cooperation throughout sectors.
The 2 leaders can even launch the India-France Yr of Innovation and attend the AI Affect Summit in New Delhi, in keeping with India’s exterior affairs ministry.
“The leaders will focus on regional and world problems with mutual curiosity, together with cooperation within the Indo-Pacific,” the discharge added.
