India moves to acquire 114 Rafale jets amid security crisis

India has accelerated efforts to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets in what could become one of its largest defence deals, reported The Tribune.

According to the Indian daily, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally proposed the purchase to the Ministry of Defence, insisting on multi-role capable aircraft. Unlike a competitive tender, the ministry is expected to directly opt for French-made Rafales.

Under the “Make in India” scheme, the jets would be manufactured in collaboration with an Indian firm, with up to 60% indigenous content. French company Dassault Aviation will partner locally, while Safran, maker of the M-88 engines, has already announced an engine facility in Hyderabad.

The project, estimated to cost over INR 2 trillion (approx. $24 billion), would rank among India’s largest-ever defence procurements.

Analysts note that the urgency reflects India’s embarrassment after the loss of six Rafale jets in recent clashes with Pakistan, widely seen as a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s military narrative. Critics argue the Modi government is diverting public money to mask political failures through aggressive arms shopping.