Overview

• The Indian Air Force’s Statement of Case was received a few days ago and is under inter-departmental scrutiny, including Defence Finance.
• The proposal is valued at over ₹2 lakh crore and envisions production in India by Dassault Aviation in collaboration with domestic aerospace firms.
• IAF leaders cite retiring squadrons and recent operational lessons, including Rafale performance in Operation Sindoor, as key drivers for the push.
• Next steps include consideration by the Defence Procurement Board followed by the Defence Acquisition Council, with no approvals granted yet.
• If cleared, the combined Rafale fleet across services could reach about 176 aircraft, supported by a planned Safran M88 engine MRO facility in Hyderabad and potential integration of longer-range air-to-ground weapons.