The Indian Air Force (IAF), backed by a strong push from the Centre, is eyeing a contract for 114 Rafale fighter jets as early as the next fiscal year, with at least 18 aircraft to be delivered off-the-shelf in a shorter timeline and with Made in India components, according to a report by ThePrint .
As per the report, French aerospace company Dassault Aviation is expected to set up a final assembly line in India for the jets, with an indigenisation target of at least 60 per cent. This move aligns with India’s long-term defence manufacturing and self-reliance goals.
On 9 April this year, ThePrint was the first to report that the Narendra Modi-led government had decided to scrap the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme and instead pursue a direct government-to-government deal with France for the Rafale jets.
Asian News International (ANI) also reported over the weekend that the proposal for the 114 Rafale jets, prepared by the IAF, had been submitted to the Defence Ministry. The plan is under consideration by various wings, including Defence Finance. Once deliberations are complete, the proposal will move to the Defence Procurement Board, followed by the Defence Acquisition Council for Acceptance of Necessity, after which formal negotiations will begin.