After Op Sindoor Success, IAF Seeks 114 More Rafale Fighters under MRFA Tender with Direct G2G Deal with France

Following the recent successful deployment of its Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is strongly advocating for a direct government-to-government agreement with France to acquire 114 additional fighters.

According to senior defence sources, this acquisition would be part of the long-pending Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, with a significant portion of the aircraft slated for domestic production through a collaboration with a foreign original equipment manufacturer.

Push for Strategic Acquisition​

The IAF is reportedly preparing to present its case for the procurement to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) within the next two months. This first official step, known as the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), requires the approval of the council, which is headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

While the final decision rests with the government, sources indicate that the IAF has highlighted an urgent operational need for more Rafales to counteract the steady decline in its number of combat-ready fighter squadrons.

The MRFA tender, a project that has been delayed for nearly eight years, is estimated to cost over ₹1.2 lakh crore. It aims to equip the IAF with modern jets that can perform a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.

Besides the Dassault Rafale, other global contenders for this massive deal have included the American F-15EX and F/A-18 Super Hornet, and Sweden's Gripen.

However, the IAF's preference for a follow-on order of Rafales stems from the logistical and training advantages of operating a single, proven platform.

The renewed push for the French-made jets comes after their extensive use during Operation Sindoor, a military engagement with Pakistan that took place from May 7 to 10, 2025. The 4.5-generation Rafales were reportedly used for precision long-range strikes during the conflict.

Addressing a Critical Shortfall​

The IAF is currently grappling with a severe shortage in its fighter fleet. It operates only 31 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42.5 squadrons, a number deemed necessary to effectively manage a potential two-front conflict with China and Pakistan.

This gap is set to widen critically as the IAF will retire its last remaining squadrons of ageing MiG-21 aircraft next month, which will reduce its operational strength to a historic low of just 29 squadrons.

This challenge is further intensified by intelligence reports suggesting that China is preparing to supply Pakistan with at least 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters.

To maintain a technological edge, the IAF has also communicated the need to acquire two to three squadrons of foreign fifth-generation jets, such as the Russian Sukhoi-57 or the American F-35, as a stopgap measure until India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational, which is expected around 2035.

An official source clarified, however, that no formal discussions for such a purchase have been initiated with either Russia or the United States.

 

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[Mc Addy]

Best left to military planners , public is flabbergasted with Rafel deal in general and controversy around its operations,non whatsoever with Russian origin jets . This is a media bait type jet , always in news for some odd reasons,rest who knows the truth is military only .To public,its a dud .

 

[Hawkeye]

"IAF also highlighted the need for 2-3 squadrons of 5th-gen jets, with the Russian Su-57 and F-35 😇😂 as contenders. Getting the GE engine itself is highly doubtful. G2G is paying billions to get nothing back. At the minimum, we need access to the source code to integrate our own missiles and replace the radar with UTTAM MK2. Still, . . ."

 

[sanket]

That's great news! Finally, MRFA is going to kick start. Hope it will finish as early as possible with local manufacturing and a customized variant with full autonomy in a future upgrade without OEM involvement and private players from Bharat with a complete ecosystem.

While the Su-57 will be the dark horse with local manufacturing with the sharing of source code, indigenous sensors, weapons, and features, again, the IAF is showing confidence in the Rafale. P0rkistan is exposed in doing propaganda of downing a Rafale. First, none of the fighters have crossed the border for combat; then how could P0rkistan have shot down a Rafale? P0rkistan also has fake propaganda about the S-400 too.

Finally, my prediction is right. MRFA will happen, and 114/110 jets will be procured under MRFA with local manufacturing with an ecosystem around it with local private players. France is very desperate to win defence deals which the US failed to grab. After the 26 Rafale M Deal, AMCA Engine deal, and now Rafale under MRFA, that means France has become flexible. Earlier, it was not willing to start a local assembly line with a local private player. Dassault might import some components to assemble in the earlier stage, and in a phased manner, it will set up an ecosystem for the Rafale. The only question is how much percentage of ToT will Dassault be ready for.

Now, lastly, Dassault's experience would be taken in fine-tuning the TEDBF. While if the Su-57 is selected, then Russia would automatically be a consultant for AMCA fine-tuning as well as some tech features from the Su-57 in the AMCA as well as the Super Sukhoi.

 

[Flanker]

Well it was expected after its big success in Op Sindoor. I hope this time we have our radar and avionics in the jets.

 

[Lady bug]

Instead of spending the total money on only Rafales, we should get at least 2 squadrons of Su-57s. With the remaining money, we can buy as many Rafales as we can get.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

MRFA is the perfect example of why you should get the work done in proper time. Don't pile it up; otherwise, severe problems can occur. Look at the IAF, at an all-time low, yet the government is sleeping. Are vai, khatam karo yeh drama ab. It has been going on since 2004. How much more will you stretch it? The U.S., China, and other countries are moving toward 6th generation jets, and we could not complete a deal in 20 years. If the government really wants to finish the work, they should split the order: 60 Rafale + 60 Su-57. That is the best combo.

 

[Raj]

Please don't add a new platform, especially not from the Russians. Don't mess with Trump again and again by purchasing new weapons from Russia. Purchase 40 Rafale F4s and start working on the KF-21 Block 3, which is a stealthy design with advanced avionics.

 

[Parveen Gahlot]

Not a good decision when Dassault is not ready to share source code or integrate the Uttam MK2 radar and other Indian missiles. When the SU-57 is available at a lesser rate and with a better deal, then this should not happen.

 

[R. Singh]

DAC must approve 114 Rafale F-4 and its Indian variant as ORCA all fighters jets must be powered by M-88 T REX engines 50% of them with internal weapon bay !As AMCA is far away we must make ORCA and TEDBF based on Rafale tech.

 

[bonito]

For all the people commenting "get Su-57," please understand that Russia has too many supply constraints, and they are already delayed in many of their pending orders to us. Even if we produce them locally, the engine and parts still have to come from Russia only.

 

[DS]

IAF playing Spy v/s spy with this input. 😇

Information warfare on. Nobody knows the real IAF Staff Requirements . Only Defence Minister and IAF Chief are aware.

Missiles are the established next frontier for Combat in Asia now, at BVR ranges of around 300 to 400 kms . At closer WVR ranges of combat , drones will be the Sine Qua Non now especially after Ops Sindoor. Feedback is decisive.

USA / China / EU / Russia / India are still doing detailed analysis of recent combat operations.

AMCA and TEDBF programs continues fast with our government backing production at home in accelerated manner. Our Scientists, Engineers, User Armed Forces officers working in close teams. Upgrade process is on. Excellent.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

IAF playing Spy v/s spy with this input. 😇

Information warfare on. Nobody knows the real IAF Staff Requirements . Only Defence Minister and IAF Chief are aware.

Missiles are the established next frontier for Combat in Asia now, at BVR ranges of around 300 to 400 kms . At closer WVR ranges of combat , drones will be the Sine Qua Non now especially after Ops Sindoor. Feedback is decisive.

USA / China / EU / Russia / India are still doing detailed analysis of recent combat operations.

AMCA and TEDBF programs continues fast with our government backing production at home in accelerated manner. Our Scientists, Engineers, User Armed Forces officers working in close teams. Upgrade process is on. Excellent.

TEDBF looks like a waste of money. The 4th generation aircraft, that will accepted into service in the 30s, looks very strange.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

F-15SE or KF-21 also looks like a good option. Reduced radar signature + advanced 4th generation specifications, why not consider them as gap fillers?

 

[Scooter2000]

India purchasing the Rafale for the MRFA would be nothing short of a colossal mistake, especially as more and more 5th and even 6th Generation Fighters enter service. Yet, I am sure China and Pakistan would applaud it.