Pakistan faces escalating tension as India prepares to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets, alongside 6 P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, following Operation Sindoor.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its fleet with the potential acquisition of 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets, a deal worth over Rs 2 lakh crore. This significant defence sector deal is currently under discussion, with the Defence Procurement Board headed by the Defence Secretary set to review the proposal in the near future.
The proposed deal includes the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets, 6 additional P-8I jets, and 113 F-404 engines. The French company Dassault Aviation, in cooperation with India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), plans to produce these jets. The proposal was presented to the Indian Ministry of Defence by Dassault Aviation's CEO, Eric Trappier.
The need for new jets arises as the retirement of MiG-21 jets, which have been in service since 1963, approaches. The last squadron of these jets is scheduled to retire on September 26, 2025. With their departure, the number of fighter squadrons with the IAF will drop to 29, compared to the required 42.
The Rafale jets, of which India currently possesses 36 units, are expected to be equipped with long-distance air-to-ground missiles in the future. The world has already witnessed India's military might through operations like Operation Sindoor, which garnered attention due to the power of Rafale fighter jets.
If approved, the proposed deal would fill the gap left by the retirement of MiG-21 jets and bolster the IAF's capabilities. The new Rafale jets, if acquired, will be jointly built by Dassault Aviation and Indian aerospace firms, contributing to the growth of the domestic defence industry.
The central government is committed to strengthening both the IAF and the Indian Navy through major defence sector deals. The potential acquisition of these 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets is a testament to this commitment. The discussions are ongoing, and the Defence Ministry is carefully considering the proposal presented by the IAF.
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