Overview
- The defence ministry is considering the Indian Air Force’s plan for 114 Rafales, with Acceptance of Necessity expected to be sought before the case moves to the Defence Acquisition Council and the Cabinet Committee on Security.
- Negotiators have set non‑negotiable conditions that include transfer of source code, integration of Indian weapons across the fleet, and secure data links for full interoperability.
- Under the hybrid plan, about 96 aircraft would be manufactured in India by Dassault with a local partner, supported by transfer of technology from suppliers such as Safran and Thales and targeting roughly 30–60% indigenous content.
- Officials and reports indicate an estimated programme cost of about ₹3.25 lakh crore, with price discussions factoring inflation and localisation scope still underway.
- Industrial groundwork includes a Dassault–Tata fuselage facility in Hyderabad slated to supply from 2028 and existing MRO hubs, as the IAF seeks to rebuild strength from roughly 29–30 squadrons toward its 42‑squadron authorization.