The Indian Air Force is pushing for a government-to-government deal with France to acquire additional Rafale fighter jets under its long-delayed 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, citing an urgent need to stem the depletion of its fighter squadrons. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) within the next two months for initial acceptance of necessity.
The push comes three months after Operation Sindoor, during which Rafales played a key role in long-range strikes across the border from May 7 to 10. While India has not confirmed any fighter losses, it has rejected Pakistan’s claims of shooting down six IAF aircraft, including three Rafales. The operation underscored the growing threat from Chinese-origin Pakistani J-10 jets armed with long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
With the MRFA case stalled for over seven years and estimated to cost over ₹1.2 lakh crore, the IAF is currently operating just 31 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42.5. This number is set to fall further to 29 with the retirement of MiG-21s next month, even as China prepares to supply Pakistan with 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters.
The IAF has also projected a requirement for two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters, with the Russian Sukhoi-57 and American F-35 under consideration, until the indigenous AMCA is ready by 2035. However, no formal talks have begun with either Russia or the US.
Officials argue that expanding Rafale numbers via a direct deal with France would be faster and more cost-effective than an open global tender. The IAF already operates 36 Rafales acquired under a ₹59,000 crore deal signed in 2016, stationed at Ambala and Hasimara, both capable of hosting an additional squadron each.
The Navy is also set to receive 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for INS Vikrant operations between 2028 and 2030 under a ₹63,887 crore deal inked in April, creating platform commonality if more Rafales are procured.
The proposal follows a high-level review led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, which outlined a roadmap for accelerated capability enhancement of the IAF, focusing on private sector participation alongside DRDO and defence PSUs to bridge operational gaps quickly.
(With Inputs from The Times of India)
