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India is reportedly preparing to advance its long-standing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme by finalising a deal with France for up to 90 Rafale F4 fighter jets.
Sources suggest a decision could be made by the end of 2025, with a formal contract expected to be signed in 2026.
The procurement is anticipated to follow a government-to-government (G2G) framework, a direct agreement between the two nations designed to accelerate the acquisition process.
This move aims to urgently address the declining number of squadrons in the Indian Air Force (IAF) amid heightened security challenges in the region.
The effort to acquire 114 new fighters was re-initiated in 2019 following an emergency purchase of 36 Rafale jets in 2016.
The IAF currently operates with approximately 31 squadrons, which is significantly below its officially sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons required to effectively manage a two-front threat.
The original MRFA tender involved several international competitors, including the American F-21 and F/A-18 Super Hornet, and Sweden’s Gripen. However, the process has faced considerable delays due to complex negotiations over pricing and requirements for domestic manufacturing.
To avoid further setbacks, the IAF is now strongly advocating for a direct G2G agreement for 90 Rafale F4s, which could see the first aircraft delivered between 2028 and 2030.
The Rafale F4 represents the latest and most advanced standard of the French fighter. It features significant upgrades, including a more powerful SPECTRA electronic warfare system and an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
The aircraft is also fully compatible with long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles. This acquisition is viewed as a crucial "interim" measure to maintain a combat edge until India’s indigenous fighters, such as the Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), are fully developed and inducted.
Furthermore, the F4’s ability to be integrated with India’s homegrown BrahMos and Astra missiles ensures seamless operational synergy with the existing fleet.
The Rafale's proven reliability, recently demonstrated in multinational exercises like Tarang Shakti 2024, makes it a preferred choice over a prolonged competitive evaluation.
While the strategic benefits are clear, the potential cost of the deal remains a significant consideration.
With each aircraft estimated to cost between $120 to $140 million, a purchase of 90 jets could amount to over $12 billion, placing considerable strain on the upcoming national defence budget.
However, proponents argue that a G2G deal, similar to the 2016 agreement, could lead to a price reduction of 15-20%.
The agreement is also expected to include a substantial offset clause, mandating that a portion of the contract's value be reinvested into India's defence manufacturing ecosystem through partnerships with companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and others.
