India’s proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft has entered an important evaluation stage, with the Ministry of Defence aiming to make significant progress before the end of the current financial year. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said submitted bids under the Request for Proposal are being examined as part of the formal procurement process. A major requirement is greater Indian participation in the programme. Unlike earlier Rafale acquisitions, India wants a much higher level of localisation, including the integration of Indian-made weapons, systems and components. The proposed procurement is structured as a buy-and-make programme, meaning most aircraft would be assembled domestically instead of being supplied entirely as finished imports. The arrangement is intended to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and create opportunities for private companies and MSMEs. India currently operates 36 Rafale fighters and has separately contracted 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for naval aviation. The new acquisition would therefore build on existing operational experience while substantially expanding domestic industrial participation. The proposed deal, reportedly estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, is also intended to address the Indian Air Force’s shortage of fighter squadrons and replace ageing aircraft. Singh said the bids are being evaluated and expressed confidence that the procurement could reach a decision within the current cycle. Alongside Rafale, India is continuing development of indigenous combat aircraft. The Tejas Mk-2 programme remains on schedule, with its maiden flight planned for the middle of next year. The projected requirement is around 120 aircraft, although final numbers will depend on prototype performance and evaluation. Singh also stressed a spiral-development model, allowing the aircraft to receive successive upgrades. HAL will remain the lead public-sector organisation, while private firms are increasingly involved in producing structures, assemblies and other components. India has also ruled out joining a foreign fifth-generation fighter programme for now, focusing instead on the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Requests for Proposals have already been issued to shortlisted vendors. Together, Rafale, Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA represent a strategy combining near-term foreign acquisitions with long-term domestic aerospace development.
