**India and France Discuss Rafale Fighter Jet Acquisition Amid Air Force Concerns**
India and France are ramping up discussions regarding a potential follow-on acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, driven by increasing worries within the Indian Air Force (IAF) about its declining combat squadron strength. These talks are expected to gain momentum ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India next month.
The IAF has advocated for a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement with France to secure additional Rafale aircraft as a temporary solution while the long-delayed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to procure 114 modern fighter jets, progresses. A significant portion of the MRFA fleet is intended to be manufactured in India through international collaboration.
A defense source noted, “While a final decision will be made once the MRFA proposal is presented to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the Air Force has clearly indicated an urgent operational need for more Rafales to address the ongoing reduction in fighter squadrons.”
**Critical Squadron Strength Levels**
Currently, the IAF’s fighter squadron strength has dwindled to 29, significantly below the authorized level of 42.5 squadrons deemed necessary to effectively counter potential threats from China and Pakistan. Each squadron typically consists of 16 to 18 aircraft. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent retirement of the MiG-21 fleet, further depleting the IAF’s combat capabilities. This shortfall was starkly highlighted during Operation Sindoor, raising concerns about the Air Force’s ability to maintain air power in a collaborative threat scenario.
The MRFA project, which began approximately seven to eight years ago and is estimated to cost over ₹1.2 lakh crore, has faced delays due to procedural issues and shifting acquisition priorities. In the meantime, the Rafale, already operational with the IAF, is increasingly seen as the quickest solution to fill critical capability gaps.
**Emphasis on ‘Make in India’ Initiative**
Defense sources suggest that any expanded Rafale deal will likely include a strong ‘Make in India’ component, emphasizing domestic manufacturing. India has already contracted 24 Rafale-M aircraft for the Navy, which serves as a pricing and contractual benchmark for a potential follow-on order for the Air Force.
Industrial collaboration between Indian and French defense firms is also on the rise. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has partnered with Dassault Aviation to produce key Rafale fuselage sections at a facility in Hyderabad, expected to deliver its first components by FY 2028 and potentially scale up to produce 24 fuselages annually for both Indian and global markets.
Additionally, plans for an engine manufacturing facility in Hyderabad and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, are underway. Collectively, these initiatives could significantly enhance India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
**Conclusion**
As India and France continue their discussions on the acquisition of additional Rafale fighter jets, the urgency of addressing the IAF’s declining squadron strength remains paramount. The potential for increased domestic manufacturing through the ‘Make in India’ initiative could not only bolster the IAF’s capabilities but also strengthen the defense industrial base in India.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is the acquisition of additional Rafale jets important for the Indian Air Force?**
A: The acquisition is crucial to address the declining number of operational squadrons, which currently stands at 29, well below the required 42.5 squadrons needed to effectively counter threats from neighboring countries.