India is moving closer to finalising a landmark deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with contract signing expected as early as the next fiscal year. At least 18 of these aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition to accelerate induction timelines, while the rest will be manufactured domestically with significant levels of Indian content.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has chosen the Rafale F4+ standard, which comes with longer-range air-to-air missiles, advanced air-to-ground munitions, and upgrades in connectivity, sensors, and electronic warfare.

The F4 standard introduces new satellite and intra-flight links, improved navigation, upgraded software radios, and enhanced survivability via the Spectra EW suite and Talios targeting pod. The aircraft will also be equipped with the MICA NG missile and an optimized RBE2 AESA radar for network-centric operations.

The Rafale F4+ represents a significant technological leap over the F3-R+ version currently in IAF service, which already incorporates 13 India-specific enhancements. All existing Indian Rafale fighters will be progressively upgraded to the latest standard, ensuring compatibility and unified fleet capability.

Officials clarified that discussions will also cover the long-term upgrade roadmap, including the future F5 standard Rafale, which is still under development. The F5 version is expected to feature more powerful engines, stronger data links, advanced survivability measures, and an integral link with a new over-10-ton class UCAV.

Dassault Aviation has agreed to establish a final assembly line in India, promising at least 60 percent indigenisation by incorporating fuselage, wings, and subsystem production locally. The effort will draw parallels with the C-295 transport aircraft programme and involve partnerships with Indian firms such as TATA and Mahindra.

Parallel infrastructure development is also underway, with Dassault setting up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub in India, further cementing India’s role as a global centre for Rafale manufacturing and sustainment besides facilities in France.

The contract, estimated at ₹2 lakh crore, positions India to become the largest operator of Rafales outside France. With 36 Air Force Rafales already delivered and 26 Rafale-M fighters cleared for the Indian Navy, this new order will firmly consolidate the Rafale as India’s frontline multirole fighter across land and sea domains.

Rafale 114 Jets Deal – Approval & Induction Timeline

Stage / MilestoneDescriptionExpected Timeline
IAF Proposal SubmissionIndian Air Force completes and forwards formal proposal for 114 Rafale F4+ jets to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).Submitted in 2025 (Q3–Q4)
Defence Ministry ScrutinyProposal under internal review by Defence Finance and other MoD wings.Ongoing (Late 2025)
Defence Procurement Board (DPB)After internal review, proposal moved to DPB for detailed procurement examination.Q1 2026
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)Provides Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the deal, a mandatory approval for large procurement.Q2 2026
Government-to-Government NegotiationsDirect negotiations with France to finalise cost, delivery schedules, and ToT (technology transfer) packages.Mid–Late 2026
Contract SigningFormal agreement expected to be signed, clearing the way for production and supply.Late FY 2026–27
First Deliveries (Fly-Away Jets)At least 18 Rafale F4+ delivered directly from France under accelerated timelines.2027–2028
Final Assembly Line in India Set-UpDassault establishes Indian assembly unit; partnerships with Tata, Mahindra for fuselage, wings, subsystems.2027–2028
Domestic Production BeginsFirst Indian-assembled Rafales roll out with approx. 60% indigenisation.2029
Upgradation of Existing RafalesIAF’s current 36 F3-R+ Rafales upgraded to F4+ standard for fleet commonality.2027–2030
Full Squadron InductionsProgressive induction of Rafales into IAF squadrons, adding to Navy’s 26 Rafale-M order.2028–2032
Completion of 114 Rafale DeliveriesAll aircraft delivered, establishing India as second-largest Rafale operator after France.By 2032–33
Long-Term Upgrade to F5 StandardOptional upgrades in line with French developments, including UCAV integration.Post-2033

Squadron-Level Growth of Rafale Fleet

YearSquadron Formation / UpgradeForce Composition
2025 (Present)2 IAF squadrons fully operational at Ambala & Hasimara with 36 Rafale F3-R+ (13 India-specific enhancements).36 Rafale (IAF) + 0 Rafale-M (Navy)
2026–27Contract for 114 Rafale F4+ expected to be signed. Upgrade roadmap for existing 36 Rafales initiated to F4+.36 Rafale (IAF) + 0 Rafale-M
2027–28Delivery of first 18 fly-away Rafales F4+ from France. These can rapidly form half a squadron or reinforce existing squadrons with upgraded F4+ configuration.~54 Rafale (IAF) + 0 Rafale-M
2028–29Indian production line begins rollout. Two additional squadrons begin formation using locally built Rafales (~36 aircraft). Navy receives first Rafale-M batch for deck operations.~90 Rafale (IAF) + 12–18 Rafale-M (Navy)
2030Full upgrade of older 36 Rafales to F4+ completed. Third IAF squadron under new contract fully formed. At least one full squadron of Rafale-M operational with INS Vikrant.~108 Rafale (IAF) + 26 Rafale-M (Navy)
2031–32Final batches roll in from Indian line. Full induction of 114 aircraft across 6 IAF squadrons completed, consolidating as frontline multirole asset.150 Rafale (IAF) + 26 Rafale-M
2033 onwardOption for mid-life upgrades to Rafale F5 standard (IAF & Navy), potential UCAV teaming.Largest Rafale fleet outside France – combined 176 aircraft (IAF + Navy).

Agencies