India Plans to Buy 31 Additional Rafale Fighter Jets from France

MUMBAI: (Web Desk) – India is planning to expand its Rafale fighter jet fleet by purchasing 31 additional aircraft from France, according to a report by Military. The move comes in addition to the existing plans under the Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which already envisions the acquisition of 114 jets.

The report states that India has expressed its intent to procure 31 carrier-based fighter jets, primarily for naval operations. Under the proposed arrangement, Reliance Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will serve as production partners, with Rafale airframes to be manufactured in India.

France is also expected to grant rights for the production of certain components and advanced AASM precision-guided weapons, strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

India Approves Plan to Acquire 114 Rafale Fighter Jets

If finalized, the new deal would bring India’s total Rafale orders to 145 aircraft.

Earlier, in 2016, India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale jets in a deal worth €7.87 billion. Delivery of all aircraft under that contract has already been completed. Additionally, in 2025, the Indian Navy placed an order for 26 new Rafale M fighter jets to enhance its carrier-based air power.

The expanded Rafale acquisition is seen as part of India’s broader effort to modernize its air and naval forces while boosting indigenous defence production.