Air Force Pursuing Government-to-Government Agreement

The Indian Air Force, facing a decline in squadron strength, is reported to be seeking a direct government-to-government deal for 40 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets. This comes concurrent with the Indian Navy securing approval for a $7.4 billion deal to procure 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) aircraft.

The IAF wants to bolster its operational readiness by acquiring the 40 Rafales through the fast-track process to supplement its existing fleet of 36 aircraft to bring its total to 76 Rafales.

The IAF’s desire for Rafale fighters dates back to a series of earlier procurement deals that were not completed, including the last of which was the selection of the Rafale in 2012 but was cancelled in 2015 when negotiations failed to come together.

Subsequent to that, a new contract was finalized in 2016 between French President Hollande and Prime Minister Modi for 36 Rafale aircraft valued at about €7.8 billion. The last of those aircraft was delivered in December 2022.

India revived its fighter jet acquisition plans in 2018 with the Multi-=Role Fighter Aircraft program. However, no meaningful progress has yet been made. By going with a direct government-to-government deal with France, deliveries can happen faster and the IAF can utilize its existing infrastructure and training that was established for the Rafale platform. This would avoid the delays associated with the prolonged process under the MRFA acquisition program.

FMI:  www.dassault-aviation.com/