Archive · 3 Oct 2026
India Targets Rafale Deal as Air Force Seeks More Jets
India hopes to finish a large fighter-jet deal during this financial year.
The plan is to buy 114 Rafale jets from France.
Officials are still discussing the price and other details.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said the air force might look for a different kind of aircraft if its AMCA programme is delayed.
Russia has offered Su-57 jets, but India has not decided whether to buy them.
Singh said the air force needs 36 to 40 aircraft each year in the next few years.
He also said the force should use artificial intelligence and become more self-reliant.
He stressed that India should make a fighter-jet engine in the country.
India aims to finalise a deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets this financial year, if plans proceed as expected.
The proposal cleared in February would procure the jets through a government-to-government framework with France; price and other negotiations are underway.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said the Indian Air Force may seek another aircraft platform if the AMCA programme is delayed.
Russia has offered Su-57 jets, but India has made no decision on the offer.
Singh said the IAF needs 36 to 40 aircraft annually in the coming years and highlighted AI, self-reliance and domestic fighter-engine production.
- Who
- India and the Indian Air Force; Air Chief Marshal A P Singh discussed the plans.
- What
- India is pursuing a deal for 114 Rafale jets and may consider another aircraft platform if the AMCA programme is delayed.
- When
- The deal could be finalised this financial year; Singh spoke on Saturday ahead of Air Force Day.
- Where
- India; the proposed Rafale procurement would be arranged with France.
- Why
- The proposal is intended to strengthen the Indian Air Force's combat capability; Singh also cited the need to increase air power and prepare for possible AMCA delays.
- Proposed purchase
- 114 Rafale fighter jets
- Procurement framework
- Government-to-government arrangement with France
- Target timing
- This financial year, if plans proceed as expected
- Negotiations
- Price and other critical issues are being discussed
- IAF aircraft requirement
- At least 36 to 40 aircraft annually in the next few years
- Alternative offer
- Russia has offered Su-57 jets; no decision has been made
- Modernisation priorities
- AI augmentation, self-reliance and domestic fighter-engine production
