India Approves Multi-Billion-Dollar Proposal To Buy 114 Rafale Fighter Jets From France

By Shakir Husain

NEW DELHI, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- India’s Defence Ministry on Thursday gave initial approval for the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France’s Dassault Aviation in a multi-billion-dollar deal that is expected to significantly boost the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s combat capability.

Its Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded "Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)" for various proposals valued at about 3.6 trillion rupees (US$39.7 billion), the ministry said in a statement.

The IAF package includes fighter jets and ground attack missiles.

“The procurement of MRFA (multi-role fighter aircraft) will enhance the IAF’s capability to undertake air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost its deterrence capabilities with long-range offensive strikes. The majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India,” the statement said.

The IAF already operates 36 Rafales and the Indian Navy will get carrier-based 26 Rafale Marines by 2030.

The Rafale announcement was one of several military procurement proposals cleared by the ministry. It didn't specify the number of planes being bought, but Indian media reports put the figure at 114.

The proposal was cleared ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to India beginning February 17.

-- BERNAMA