Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence for the procurement of 114 “Made in India” Rafale fighter jets, officials said. The plan envisages joint production by French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Indian aerospace firms, with around 60% indigenous components in the aircraft.
Proposal Follows Rafale’s Strong Showing in Operations
Sources indicated that the decision was influenced by the Rafale’s impressive performance during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The project is expected to cost over ₹2 lakh crore. Defence officials told ANI that the proposal reached the ministry recently and is being reviewed in consultation with the finance department.
Next Steps in Procurement Process
Once consensus is achieved, the case will move to the Defence Procurement Board and then to the Defence Acquisition Council for approval. If cleared on time, the deal will raise India’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft. The IAF currently operates 36 Rafales, while the Navy has already ordered 26 Rafale Marine jets for carrier-based operations.
