New Delhi: The Indian government has approved a major defence procurement agreement with France for the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft, in what is set to become one of the largest defence deals in the country’s history. The agreement is estimated to be worth around ₹3.25 lakh crore and is expected to significantly strengthen India’s air combat capabilities.
The deal places strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing alongside direct procurement. In the first phase, 18 fully built Rafale jets will be acquired directly from France, while the remaining aircraft are planned to be manufactured in India. Government sources said the structure of the agreement aligns with the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and aims to boost domestic defence production.
🚨 India and France are nearing a $22 billion deal for about 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. pic.twitter.com/ehnDPNqN4v
— Beats in Brief 🗞️ (@beatsinbrief) January 11, 2026
The induction of the 114 Rafale jets will provide a major boost to the Indian Air Force, enhancing its operational readiness and air superiority with advanced technology. The Rafale fleet already in service has proven its capabilities, and the additional aircraft will further reinforce India’s aerial defence strength.
Under the ‘Make in India’ component, French defence firms are expected to partner with Indian companies to manufacture a majority of the aircraft and key components domestically. The initiative is likely to create substantial employment opportunities, promote technology transfer, and strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
Strategically, the expanded Rafale fleet will improve India’s ability to address security challenges from neighbouring countries, including Pakistan and China. The deal is also expected to deepen strategic and defence cooperation between India and France, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations while advancing India’s defence self-reliance objectives.