India reviews ₹3.25L cr deal to buy 114 Rafale jets, with 30% indigenous content and local production.

India is reviewing a proposed ₹3.25 lakh crore deal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, with 12–18 to be delivered fly-away and the rest manufactured in India under a government-to-government agreement. The plan includes integrating Indian-made weapons and systems, though France will retain control of source codes. Indigenous content is projected at around 30%, with potential for growth. The deal, if approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, would become India’s largest defence procurement, expanding the Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft. It follows strong performance by the Rafale in recent operations, including countering Chinese PL-15 missiles. France plans to establish a maintenance facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad, with Indian firms like Tata expected to participate. The move supports India’s broader air force modernization, including Su-30 MKIs, LCA Mark 1A jets, and future fifth-generation fighter programs.