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India Seeks to Boost Air Power with Massive Rafale Deal with France
The deal would add 114 jets to India’s fleet, with 94 built locally and the rest supplied from France, officials said.
India officially sent a Letter of Request to France on Monday to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, with the deal estimated at Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
The Defence Acquisition Council cleared this proposal four months ago to address the IAF's critical fighter squadron shortage, as the force operates with about 29 squadrons against an authorized strength of 42.
Under the arrangement, Dassault Aviation will partner with a local firm to manufacture 94 aircraft domestically, marking the first time these fighters are produced outside French territory with around 50 per cent localization.
Air Chief Marshal Singh arrived in France on Monday for a four-day visit, while French officials are expected to respond to the Indian Letter of Request within two to three months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit France in mid-June, where the deal will likely feature prominently in bilateral discussions; successful induction will bring India's total Rafale fleet to 176.