India is poised to take a historic step in modernizing its air force. According to the Times of India , New Delhi has officially launched discussions for the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets , a contract estimated at around €30 billion .

An accelerated purchasing process

The project, which was still just a rumor last month, is progressing at an unusual speed for Indian administrative procedures:

1. Step 1: Validation already obtained by the defense procurement commission.
2. Step 2: Imminent review by the Defence Acquisition Council (chaired by the Minister of Defence).
3. Objective: To present the case before Emmanuel Macron's official visit to India at the end of the month.

"Make in India": The heart of the contract

Of the 114 planned fighter jets, the distribution of production underlines Narendra Modi's industrial ambition:

1. 18 aircraft will be delivered "turnkey" (fly-away) by Dassault Aviation's factories in France.
2. 96 aircraft will be entirely produced on Indian soil, in line with the sovereign "Make in India" strategy.

Ultimately, with the 36 Rafales already operational and the 26 ordered for the navy, India would field a colossal fleet of 176 French flagships .

Why did the Rafale outshine its rivals?

Despite facing competition from the American ( F-35 ) and Russian ( Su-57 ) giants, the Rafale managed to hold its own. Beyond diplomacy, it was field experience that made the difference: Indian authorities were reportedly definitively convinced by the aircraft's performance during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, one of the most significant air engagements in recent history.

Note: This contract would consolidate France as India's leading strategic partner in the defense sector, at the expense of traditional suppliers.