New Delhi considers more Rafale jets to counter regional military challenges

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has strongly pitched for a government-to-government deal with France to procure additional Rafale fighter jets under its long-stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program.

The proposed acquisition would supplement the IAF’s 36 existing Rafale jets and is intended as a fast-track alternative to the prolonged global tender process, Caliber.Az reports, citing Indian media.

According to top defence sources, the IAF will submit the MRFA case for initial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)—the first step in India’s defence procurement cycle—to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, within the next couple of months.

“Government will take the final decision when the MRFA case comes to DAC. But yes, IAF has projected an urgent need for additional Rafales to stem the depletion in the number of its fighter squadrons,” a senior official confirmed.

The renewed push follows the IAF’s extensive deployment of Rafales during Operation Sindoor, a military standoff with Pakistan from May 7 to 10, where the 4.5-generation jets were utilised for long-range precision strikes across the border. Though Pakistan claimed it shot down six Indian jets—including three Rafales—on May 7, India has denied any losses.

The IAF currently fields 31 fighter squadrons (each comprising 16-18 aircraft), well below the sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons deemed necessary to confront a potential two-front war with China and Pakistan. With the impending retirement of the remaining MiG-21 squadrons next month, that number is expected to dip to a historic low of 29.

The MRFA project has been in limbo for nearly eight years. The IAF is now pushing for urgency, citing not only the China-Pakistan collusive threat but also the expected induction of at least 40 fifth-generation J-35A stealth fighters by Pakistan from China.

IAF officials argue that opting for more Rafales through an inter-governmental agreement would offer significant strategic and operational advantages. “The deal can be concluded faster than going in for an open global tender,” said a source. “It would make much better economic and logistical sense,” the official added.

Notably, the existing infrastructure at Ambala and Hasimara air bases—where the current fleet of Rafales is stationed—can accommodate additional squadrons. “Both air bases already have the infrastructure and storage capacity to base at least one more Rafale squadron each,” a source said.

Additionally, the Indian Navy is set to receive 26 Rafale-Marine jets under a deal signed in April, with deliveries expected between 2028 and 2030. “There will be a commonality in platforms and equipment if more Rafales are acquired,” another official noted.

The urgency behind the MRFA revival comes in the wake of a comprehensive review by a high-level committee headed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The panel has outlined a roadmap for "all-round accelerated capability enhancement" of the IAF, focusing on plugging operational gaps through time-bound measures and greater private sector involvement.

Meanwhile, the IAF has also indicated a long-term requirement for two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters, with the Russian Sukhoi-57 and American F-35 jets viewed as possible interim options until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) enters production, expected by 2035. However, “no official talks have begun with either Russia or the US yet,” an official stated.

By Vafa Guliyeva