Archive · 28 Sep 2026
India Seeks 114 Rafale Jets as Tejas Delays Deepen
India wants to buy 114 more Rafale fighter jets from France.
The purchase could cost up to ₹3.25 lakh crore.
Officials say the Rafale has already performed well for India.
Eighteen jets could arrive ready to fly, while 96 would be built in India.
The plan is meant to help the Indian Air Force, which does not have enough fighter squadrons.
India’s home-grown Tejas program has been delayed.
The Tejas Mk1A has not yet joined an operational squadron.
The more advanced Tejas Mk2 prototype has also not been rolled out.
Officials say both the Rafale purchase and the Tejas program will continue.
India is negotiating with France to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets.
The proposed deal could cost up to ₹3.25 lakh crore, potentially making it India’s largest defence deal.
The planned arrangement would reportedly bring 18 aircraft to India in fly-away condition and build 96 domestically.
Defence Secretary R. K. Singh said the Rafale purchase would address the Indian Air Force’s fighter-squadron shortage.
The Tejas Mk1A and Tejas Mk2 programs have faced delays, but India says indigenous development will continue.
- Who
- The Government of India, Defence Secretary R. K. Singh, France, and the Indian Air Force are involved.
- What
- India is negotiating to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets while continuing its Tejas aircraft program.
- When
- The proposal was discussed at the NDTV Defence Conclave 2026; the Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 have experienced delays from their stated expected dates.
- Where
- The aircraft would be supplied by France, with most of the proposed Rafale fleet built in India.
- Why
- The acquisition is intended to address the Indian Air Force’s shortage of fighter squadrons amid delays to the Tejas program.
Rafale Acquisition
Indigenous Tejas Development
Immediate fighter strength
Rafale Acquisition
Supporters say additional Rafale jets can help quickly address the Indian Air Force’s fighter-squadron shortage and are based on a proven aircraft.
Indigenous Tejas Development
The Tejas program is India’s domestic alternative, but delays to the Mk1A and Mk2 have slowed its contribution to fighter strength.
Impact on domestic production
Rafale Acquisition
The proposed Rafale arrangement could create a second fighter-aircraft production line in India and include significant indigenisation.
Indigenous Tejas Development
Officials maintain that buying Rafale jets will not replace the Tejas program, which will continue with indigenous radars, weapons, and spiral development.
- Proposed purchase
- 114 Rafale fighter jets
- Estimated cost
- Up to ₹3.25 lakh crore
- Domestic production
- 96 aircraft are proposed to be built in India
- Fly-away aircraft
- 18 aircraft are proposed to be delivered in fly-away condition
- Tejas Mk1A
- Expected in February 2024 but had not entered an operational squadron
- Tejas Mk2
- Prototype expected in August 2022 but had not been rolled out
- Naval Rafale
- A naval version is already on order, according to R. K. Singh