Key Highlights India plans to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The proposed deal is estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore. Price negotiations and other critical procurement issues are currently underway. The agreement could take India's total Rafale inventory to 176 aircraft, including IAF and Navy Rafales. The deal is expected to support greater fighter aircraft production and indigenisation in India. 114 Rafale Deal Likely by FY27-End India could finalise its long-awaited 114 Rafale fighter jet deal with France by the end of the current financial year, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on Saturday. Speaking ahead of Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff said negotiations over price and other important aspects of the proposed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition are underway. He indicated that the agreement could be concluded by the end of FY2026-27 if the process proceeds as planned. Deal Estimated at ₹3.25 Lakh Crore India had cleared the proposal to procure 114 Rafale aircraft in February 2026. The proposed acquisition is estimated to be worth around ₹3.25 lakh crore, making it one of India's largest defence procurement programmes. The proposed deal is being pursued under a government-to-government framework with France and involves French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Earlier reports said that a significant portion of the aircraft could be manufactured in India. The Indian Express reported in May that around 90 of the 114 jets were planned for production in India through collaboration between Dassault Aviation and an Indian company, with the remaining aircraft delivered in fly-away condition. India's Rafale Fleet Could Reach 176 The acquisition would significantly expand India's Rafale fleet. The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, while the Indian Navy has ordered 26 Rafale-M aircraft for carrier operations. If the proposed 114-aircraft acquisition is completed, India's total Rafale inventory across the services would reach 176 aircraft. IAF Seeks More Fighter Aircraft Air Chief Marshal A P Singh also highlighted the need to increase India's fighter aircraft strength. According to IANS, he said the IAF requires around 36 to 40 aircraft every year over the next few years. He also stressed the importance of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and said India needs to develop a fighter aircraft engine domestically. The proposed Rafale programme is also expected to contribute to India's domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said in September that the Rafale deal could help establish a second fighter aircraft production line in India while increasing indigenisation. AMCA Programme and Other Fighter Options The IAF chief also discussed the possibility of considering another fighter aircraft platform if India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme experiences delays. He said Russia has offered its Su-57 fighter jet, but clarified that no decision has been made on the proposal. Meanwhile, the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A programme is expected to continue alongside the Rafale acquisition
