India is poised to finalise a landmark defence agreement with France for the procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, a move that will mark the largest defence deal in the country’s history. The deal, estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, is expected to be signed ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
According to sources, the Defence Ministry has already cleared the proposal, which is aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force’s operational and combat capabilities. Of the 114 aircraft to be procured, 88 will be single-seat fighter jets, while 26 will be twin-seat variants used primarily for training and complex mission roles.
President Macron is scheduled to visit New Delhi on February 18 to attend an international Artificial Intelligence Summit. During the visit, India and France are expected to sign several bilateral agreements, with the Rafale deal likely to be one of the major highlights.
The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets inducted under an earlier agreement with France. The acquisition of 114 additional aircraft is expected to significantly enhance India’s air power at a time of evolving regional security challenges.
Officials noted that the proposed purchase aligns with India’s long-term defence modernisation roadmap and reflects the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris, particularly in the areas of defence cooperation and advanced military technology.
