IAF pushes for 114 more Rafale jets in biggest-ever defence deal

The Indian Air Force has moved a proposal to the Ministry of Defence to acquire 114 more Rafale fighter jets as part its plan to expand its fleet.

The IAF wants the jets, capable of multi-role operations and has asked the MoD to begin the acquisition process, sources told The Tribune. Instead of the multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) tender, the MoD is likely to directly opt for the French Rafale.

The jets will be built in India under the Make in India scheme, with Dassault Aviation — the maker of Rafale — partnering an Indian firm. Dassault recently raised its stake in Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) from 49 per cent to 51 per cent, making the venture majority-owned subsidiary of the French company. Reliance Infrastructure, led by Anil Ambani, remains its Indian partner.

The acquisition process would need clearances from the Defence Procurement Board, the Defence Acquisition Council, and finally the Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by the Prime Minister.

The IAF’s preference is based on several factors. It already operates 36 Rafales and the Navy has ordered 26 marine variants. Adding more would cut maintenance costs and leverage the training and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Ambala. The IAF has the capacity to absorb two squadrons immediately (some 36-38 planes).

Rafale had earlier emerged as the “best bidder” in fighter jet trials over a decade ago, there was no question of again tendering for a new plane, sources said. While that tender stalled, it led to the 2015 government-to-government deal for 36 jets.

The fresh acquisition, expected to cost over Rs 2 lakh crore, would be among India’s biggest defence deals. The aircraft could feature different weapons and up to 60 per cent indigenous content. Safran, maker of the M-88 engines that power the Rafale, has announced an engine MRO hub in Hyderabad.

The IAF urgently needs new jets. With two MiG-21 squadrons retiring on September 26, its strength will fall to 29 squadrons — the lowest in six decades. The CCS has set a target of 42 squadrons to prepare for a possible two-front conflict with Pakistan and China.