Share this @internewscast.com
A Rafale fighter jet from the French Air and Space Force launched from Air Base 120 in Cazaux, located in southwestern France, on January 29, 2026. This was part of the TOPAZE 2026 exercise, designed to evaluate rapid redeployment capabilities and operational responses under simulated high-intensity combat scenarios. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP via Getty Images)
Philippe Lopez | AFP | Getty Images
In a significant move ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, India has approved the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France. This purchase is among the largest aircraft orders in India’s history.
The approval is included in New Delhi’s expansive defense budget, amounting to 3.6 trillion rupees ($39.7 billion), which encompasses a variety of acquisitions across India’s armed forces.
While the Defense Ministry has not disclosed the exact number of aircraft to be ordered, reports in local media suggest that India plans to acquire 114 Rafale jets. Dassault, the manufacturer, will deliver 18 of these jets, with the remaining 96 set to be produced domestically.
The procurement package also features Boeing P8I Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy, anti-tank mines for the Army, and upgrades to its existing Soviet-era T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
The new aircraft are expected to help address a shortfall in the Indian air force, which operates 29 squadrons against a minimum requirement of 42, according to a 2024 parliamentary report.
The air force most recently retired two squadrons of Cold War-era MiG-21 fighters in September 2025, and is expected to phase out additional aircraft in the coming years.
The Rafale purchase follows another order in April for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for India’s Navy. Dassault said India would become the first user outside France to operate this variant.
Rafale jets were used by the Indian Air Force during its 2025 conflict with Pakistan, when at least one aircraft was reported lost in combat against Islamabad’s Chinese-made J-10Cs.
Macron, who will be in India from Feb. 17 to 19, is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation across sectors.
The two leaders will also launch the India-France Year of Innovation and attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, according to India’s external affairs ministry.
“The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” the release added.
