India is poised to negotiate for an additional 110 Rafale fighter jets directly from France, moving away from the stalled MRFA procurement process to efficiently address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter squadron shortages. This government-to-government deal aims to bolster India’s air capabilities amid regional threats, while also enhancing local defense manufacturing through Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited, despite concerns over technology transfer and indigenous content. While Dassault aims for full control of the Nagpur facility to ensure quality, challenges remain regarding local sourcing and the assembly process. If finalized, the deal would bring India’s total Rafale fleet to 172, significantly strengthening its air defense posture.
