OPED by Wing Commander (R) JP Joshi
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently took a very bold step. It gave “acceptance of necessity” (AoN) to acquire 114 more Rafale fighter jets, the largest single defence purchase in India’s history.
This is more than just a purchase of fighter aircraft. Done right, this could not only give a boost to the operational capability of the Indian Air Force for decades; it could also change the very contours of the Indian defence industry and its ecosystem, and send a strong signal to the neighbourhood and beyond.
To get a clear picture of what it means, why it matters, and why it could be one of the most important defence decisions India has made in years, it is important to delve deeper into the deal, the aircraft, and the associated issues of the defence industry and the regional geopolitics.
DAC Approval: A Turning Point
On 12 Feb 2026, India’s DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the first formal step for a big defence deal. The DAC approved an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a proposal to procure 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets worth Rs 3.25 lakh crores ($40B) from Dassault Aviation, France’s premier multirole aircraft maker.
This was done under an intergovernmental agreement with France. The decision comes just ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s forthcoming official visit to New Delhi commencing on 17 Feb 2026.
The visit has since taken place, nothing out of the ordinary happened during the visit, except the French President’s visits to Mumbai (with his jogging at Marine Drive going viral), Delhi, and Amritsar, and his insightful “Make with Europe” statement.
Hopefully, the technical and commercial negotiations will reveal more details. As it stands, the AoN itself is a big step, as it is a clear indication that the Indian government is ready and willing to invest in operational airpower capability and to give a strong push to ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector and its associated ecosystem.
However, the proposal still needs to go through other formalities, including technical and commercial negotiations, before it can be put up for final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is chaired by the Prime Minister.
The geopolitical landscape has changed drastically since the COVID pandemic ravaged the world with lockdowns, deaths, and huge supply chain disruptions since the beginning of 2020. This was followed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Feb 2022, adding to further disruptions and uncertainty.
The inauguration of President Trump on 20 Jan 2025, and his focus on Make America Great Again (MAGA), prompted the US administration to further exacerbate the difficult situation, by transactional and unilateral tariffs, breaking down the rule of law, exiting multi-lateral institutions, and the free global trade that the US had once championed, and was instrumental in setting up. India too was adversely impacted by the changing world order.
In addition, India suffered a ghastly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which forced it to respond with Op Sindoor, a short conflict to hit at the terrorist hubs inside Pakistan on 06/ 07 May night. Pakistan responded to the attack, although it was informed on the DGMO hotline after the attacks that no military or civilian targets had been targeted.
India then responded through calibrated proportional attacks until the Pakistan DGMO asked for a ceasefire on 10 May 2026. These events and the changing geopolitical situation, along with rising challenges, aided the acceptance of AoN.
The Expected Deal
While exact details are not yet final, reliable sources suggest a likely mixed structure for the deal, comprising 114 aircraft. Of these, 90 are expected to be of the F4 standard and 24 of the F5 standard. India already operates two Rafale squadrons comprising 36 aircraft at the F3R standard, which are likely to be upgraded to the F4 standard.
Open sources suggest that 18 F4-standard aircraft may be procured off the shelf from France to enhance operational capability immediately, while the remaining 96 aircraft are likely to be manufactured in India. Reports also hint at different standards of the aircraft, the F4 and F5 variants. This mix of standards has a clear advantage for the IAF.
The IAF presently operates the 36 F3R-standard Rafales. These aircraft are equipped with the AESA radar, Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, SCALP air-to-ground cruise missiles, and the SPECTRA electronic warfare system.
The aircraft, its weapons, and electronic systems proved themselves admirably during the short Op Sindoor conflict. The F4 standard is a newer configuration with improved software, data fusion, and networked warfare capabilities. F4 standard is likely to have a larger domestic systems integration.
In addition, the F4 standard supports maintenance data and analytics. F5 standard is a more advanced version that is to be produced in the future. It could be upgraded with capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming, improved sensors, a more capable communications suite, and an upgraded EW architecture.
It can be appreciated that the platform remains the same, but the capability increases with each upgraded standard. It is a healthy situation, in that the F3R and F4 standards provide the numbers to the IAF in the present, while the F5 provides the highest capability available over the life of the contract.
It gives India both a mass fleet and a technology edge. This mix lets India spread risk while still aiming for the highest available capabilities over time.
How This Deal Enhances IAF Capability
The IAF is well short on squadrons; 29 squadrons against the authorised establishment of 42 squadrons. Thus, there is a significant gap between India’s strategic needs and its deployed capability in manned combat airpower assets.
These 114 Rafales would be a big help in narrowing that gap and strengthening the IAF’s combat capability. The IAF already operates 36 aircraft; 26 more of the maritime versions, which are about 95% similar to the land version, are already on order for the Indian Navy, starting in April 2025.
The additional 114 aircraft under this deal will bring the total Rafale fleet to 176. Rafale has a larger radius of action. Thus, Indian combat airpower will improve significantly in both quantity and quality.
This effect would reduce pressure on older fleets such as Jaguars, MiG-29s, and Mirage 2000s, which are now nearing retirement. Rafales give the IAF strong, modern platforms with a higher serviceability record, longer combat service, and greater strike range.
The Rafale boasts of 14 hard points for carriage of external stores. With its 10-tonne empty weight, the Rafale is fitted with 14 hard points (13 on the Rafale M). Five of them can carry heavy ordnance or drop tanks.
Total external load capacity exceeds 9 tonnes (20,000 lbs.). With its outstanding load-carrying capability and its advanced mission system, the Rafale can carry out air-to-ground strikes as well as air-to-air attacks and interceptions during the same sortie. This gives it a real ‘Omni role’ capability, combined with remarkable survivability thanks to the electronic warfare (EW) suite.
Typical mission profiles would include air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, close air support, anti-shipping, and EW. The external pylons can be fitted with a variety of stores, the weapon load that has been cleared on the aircraft includes Meteor very long range air to air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles; MICA – infrared (heat seeking) and active radar homing versions; the highly agile and manoeuvrable munition extended range (HAMMER); SCALP long range stand off cruise missile; Exocet anti ship missile; laser guided bombs with different warheads and seekers; non guided classic bombs; high end targeting pods; and 30 mm internal cannon. India can seek to augment the weapon load as required.
Rafale capabilities were tested in actual operations during Operation Sindoor, where Rafales struck terror and military infrastructure targets with high accuracy. Op Sindoor showcased Rafale’s useful long-range strike and survivability. Rafales didn’t just fly; they dominated and helped shape the battlefield.
Rafale has a better EW & Information Warfare system. Rafale’s SPECTRA electronic warfare suite and modern sensors give it a strong edge against hostile air defence systems and fighter threats. In modern war, success isn’t just about speed, weapons, and guns.
It’s about seeing the enemy first, tracking the enemy, and engaging the enemy first, and thereafter surviving to fight another day. Rafale’s electronics help with all three. Future variants (F4/F5) will augment this strength with AI-assisted data fusion and integration into networked battle systems.
The biggest capability enhancer is standardisation and interoperability within the fleet of 176 aircraft. A fleet that is the same or similar across variants makes training, maintenance, and logistics simpler.
It will also add flexibility to the movement of pilots and technicians between units and missions, without the time- and resource-consuming steep learning curves. That saves money and gives planners great flexibility in mission planning.
India’s own fifth generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is in the pipeline but is not expected to be ready until the mid-2030s, as per present estimates.
This Rafale deal gives India time to build that future capability without leaving gaps today. Rafales of the present Standard 3R, followed by Standard 4, and eventually Standard 5, give the IAF aircraft of the 4.5+ generation, which will act as a bridge fleet until newer jets, AMCA, arrive, bridging to the Next Generation.
Lessons from Op Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was a turning point in Indian air power’s impact in a real-world conflict situation. It clearly demonstrated that modern aerial warfare depends heavily on precision weapons, long-range launch, intelligence integration, tactics for survivability under threat, and speed of action.
Rafale proved that sensor fusion matters and is critical – its on-board systems can merge radar, targeting pod, and sensor data into a single clear picture presented to the pilot. This greatly reduces confusion and speeds up decision-making in the cockpit – that is exactly the kind of advantage needed in real conflict situations.
On-board electronic jamming and deception are advantages in a dense, networked air defence system; these are not extras, as they help survivability and minimise aircraft loss. SPECTRA helped Rafales survive in environments where other jets might get buried under radar fire.
Rafale has a large radius of action, and is also equipped with long range missiles, which give it the capability to operate far from home, and also to launch the weapons far from the target, be it air to ground, targeted by the SCALP air to ground cruise missile, or Meteor, a Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM). This has been adequately demonstrated during the short but intense Op Sindoor, and it would force our adversaries to think before they act. This capability pushes India’s kill chain farther out.
A fighter’s combat availability is all that matters in a conflict, as it isn’t useful if it sits in a hangar during critical ongoing operations. It has been proven that Rafales have good mission readiness rates.
Expanding the Rafale fleet, which has already proven itself in combat, means India can sustain operations that help achieve objectives safely in a fast-and-furious air campaign like Op Sindoor. This is a lesson in real operational readiness, something that we need to pay heed to – a proven platform and its weapons and EW suite, like the Rafale, is an operational game changer for our combat airpower.
Make in India: From Buzzword to Reality
The Rafale deal is about more than the purchase of a conflict-proven operational aircraft; it could also be a transformative push for India’s defence industrial base, if negotiated and implemented with serious intent.
Co-production of engines, fuselages, and other components would be a game-changer for the Indian defence industry and its complex ecosystem. French engine maker Safran has said it is ready to set up an engine assembly line in India.
This will support local Rafale production and upgrade the ecosystem that will supply it with the parts from the designated Indian suppliers. The French & Indian firms, such as Tata Advanced Systems, are already planning to manufacture Rafale fuselages in India. As per Reuters, that’s the first time these parts will be built outside France.
These steps build real skills and more, not just assembly jobs.
India’s aerospace sector needs many more aerospace engineers, avionics specialists, advanced manufacturing experts, quality assurance personnel, and more to sustain a healthy, thriving aviation industry that can take India to the next technological level. All of these are high-end, high-paying jobs. Over time, they strengthen the whole economy, not just in the aviation or defence sector.
Micro, Small, and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises (MSMEs) will benefit the most if the Ministry of MSME can help reliable, proven MSMEs integrate into supply chains through innovative policy initiatives and actions.
This thrust could expand MSME growth beyond the big companies, which, in any case, have tie-ups with the French companies. These actions would help spread prosperity and lift the entire industrial ecosystem, beyond just aviation-related companies.
Once India becomes a production hub for Rafale parts, it could enter the global supply chain for export orders. This could help turn India into an export centre for fighter aircraft components, an attractive and thriving market. There is no other deal in recent Indian defence history, in this author’s mind, that brings this level of industrial promise and benefit.
Geopolitical Impact: More Than Just Combat Airpower
India faces a complex geopolitical environment due to geography, on account of our neighbours, who cannot be wished away. This deal has an impact on our defence strategy on multiple levels
On the East and North, we have China with a modern air force that is both modern and growing. China has stealth fighters, long-range missiles, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and rapidly improving electronic warfare. India’s Rafale push isn’t a one-for-one match with them, but it gives IAF the tools and depth to deter uncalled-for aggression.
A fleet with modern sensors, long-range weapons, and good survivability will force Beijing to rethink timelines and risks.
To our West is Pakistan. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been modernising too, with strong support from China. Op Sindoor proved that the Pakistani networked Air Defence, built on Chinese systems, was incapable of preventing severe damage to PAF combat airpower resources, both fixed- and mobile-based, against Rafale’s combination of long-range missiles and electronic warfare.
Rafale gives India a stand-off strike capability that changes escalation math. It helps raise the bar for hostile action by Pakistan.
This aircraft deal, besides others, deepens India-France cooperation and partnership. France is a strong Indo-Pacific power and has territories, naval forces, and interests in the region. A bigger Rafale footprint signals that India is serious about regional stability and independent strategic choices
In simple language, the Rafale deal fills India’s urgent capability gaps in the short term, as the IAF is short of fighter squadrons now. Indigenous fighters are rolling out slowly, and it may take time to fill urgent capability gaps in combat airpower, considering the impending phase-out of the Jaguars, MiG-29, and Mirage 2000 aircraft. Rafales off the shelf will partially help offset this shortfall, immediately after the deal is finalised.
The Rafale deal will help India diversify its basket of combat airpower. Relying too much on a single source is risky. France has shown itself to be a stable and reliable partner.
The Rafale deal supports Make in India. Aircraft, engines, and parts will all be built here, boosting jobs, technology, skills, and markets, and enhancing MSME prosperity through supply chain integration.
The deal also improves training, logistics, and maintenance commonality. A large fleet of similar aircraft reduces complexity.
It signals strength to the region. India’s Rafale acquisition demonstrates both the ‘will and proven capability,’ and this is considered a strong deterrent to conflict.
Conclusion: A Big Deal for a Big Future
The Rafale deal is about ‘will and proven capability’, not just additional firepower. It’s about readiness, deterrence, industry, and strategy; a ladder that facilitates partnership with a global leader in aircraft manufacture, absorbing the high airpower technology, building an industrial ecosystem, scaling domestic capability, and aiming to independently innovate in due course.
These steps replace dependence on imports with calibrated acquisition and the development of in-house capabilities to research, design, produce, manufacture, and license combat aircraft.
This deal should not be viewed as a screwdriver assembly deal, but as a deal to work with and learn about advanced metallurgy, such as titanium alloys and composites, engine materials science, radar manufacturing capability, precision machining, systems integration, supply chain deepening, and a skilled aerospace labour force.
When India builds the negotiated high-value components domestically, something will structurally change, it is my strong belief. India would have created a large pool of skilled engineers, tier-2 and tier-3 suppliers, testing infrastructure, and a certification ecosystem. This huge ecosystem will help smooth the way forward for India’s own AMCA.
Finally, this deal will help bridge capability gaps, build industrial strength, deepen strategic partnerships, deter threats from east and west, and prepare India for future warfare.
With a smart industrial policy and the requisite push by the government and the parties involved, this deal would be remembered not just as the largest defence purchase, but as a turning point in India’s strategic and industrial journey; India is not just buying aircraft, it is building future capacity and asserting its place as a serious aerospace power.
In the contemporary world, where air power matters more than ever, it can make a world of difference in India’s ambition and capabilities matrix if negotiated and implemented well.
- OPED by Wing Commander (R) JP Joshi, IAF
- THIS IS AN OPINION ARTICLE. VIEWS PERSONAL OF THE AUTHOR
