New Delhi, April 9, 2025 – India is preparing to initiate formal negotiations with France for a landmark government-to-government (G2G) agreement to acquire 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), sources in the defence and security establishment have confirmed to ThePrint.
The ambitious deal, aimed at addressing the Indian Air Force’s steadily declining squadron strength, is expected to centre around the French Rafale fighter jets—36 of which were previously purchased by the Modi government in a 2016 agreement.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the new MRFA contract will not only involve direct procurement of some jets in a “flyaway” condition but also feature extensive local manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. French defence manufacturer Dassault Aviation is expected to establish a final assembly line within India in collaboration with a leading domestic defence partner.
“The plan is for a phased delivery, where a portion of the fighters will arrive pre-assembled from France, and the remainder will be built domestically, with major components sourced from Indian firms across the aviation supply chain,” said a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The upcoming negotiations underscore a growing strategic and industrial defence partnership between India and France. The focus on local manufacturing is also intended to boost indigenous capabilities, create jobs, and strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem.
While the Indian Air Force had originally floated the MRFA requirement to replace its ageing fleet of MiG-21s and other legacy aircraft, the urgency has grown in recent years due to mounting regional security concerns and a thinning frontline fighter inventory.
Industry analysts say the Rafale—already integrated into India’s air combat doctrine—offers advantages in terms of compatibility, maintenance, and training, making it a logical choice for an expanded fleet.
If finalised, the deal could emerge as one of India’s largest defence procurements in recent years, and a cornerstone of its long-term airpower strategy.
