India could become a global leader in Rafale fighter jet operation by 2040, potentially surpassing even France, according to projections by Dassault Aviation. This ambitious forecast comes as India steadily expands its Rafale fleet, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) already operating 36 jets and the Indian Navy set to acquire 26 Rafale M naval variants.
Dassault, the French aerospace manufacturer, believes India's Rafale numbers could swell to 176 if the IAF selects the jet for its 114-aircraft Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition. The company has offered to manufacture Rafales in India, sweetening the deal with technology transfer and local job creation.
Adding to this, Dassault anticipates further demand from the Indian Navy, potentially for 31 additional Rafale Ms. This would bring India's total to over 200 Rafales, eclipsing the French Navy's current fleet of 46 and potentially even the French Air Force's 185 jets.
This surge in Indian interest follows a period where the Rafale struggled to gain international traction. Despite its advanced capabilities, high costs deterred potential buyers. However, India's 2012 decision to purchase 36 Rafales marked a turning point, boosting the jet's global profile and leading to subsequent orders from countries like the UAE.
Dassault emphasizes the Rafale's versatility and weapon carrying capacity, including Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles, SCALP long-range standoff missiles, and Exocet anti-ship missiles. These capabilities are seen as crucial for India to counter regional threats and maintain air superiority.
While the Rafale's high price tag has drawn criticism, Indian Air Force officials maintain that the jet's advanced weaponry and performance justify the cost. They highlight the Rafale's ability to counter threats like Pakistan's AMRAAM missiles and provide India with a long-range strike capability.
The potential expansion of India's Rafale fleet underscores the country's growing defence needs and its ambition to become a major regional power. With Dassault's commitment to local production and technology sharing, the Rafale program could also contribute significantly to India's domestic aerospace industry.
