The “Gust” Returns: India Clears Historic ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Deal for 114 Rafales

India has finally put its foot on the accelerator for air superiority. On February 12, 2026, the Defence Ministry granted the initial green light for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, opting for the French-made Rafale to fill the critical gap in the Indian Air Force (IAF) squadron strength.

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This decision, coming exactly 13 years after the original MMRCA project stalled, marks a definitive shift toward long-term strategic self-reliance and technological dominance in the Indo-Pacific.

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Breaking the Logjam: From MMRCA to MRFA

The journey to this moment has been a decade-long saga of dwindling numbers and rising threats.

• The Critical Gap: The IAF currently operates only 29–31 fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 42.

• Why the Rafale? Having already operated 36 “C” variants since 2016 and recently signing for 26 “M” variants for the Navy in April 2025, the logistics of adding 114 more units are vastly superior to introducing a new platform like the F-21 or Eurofighter.

• Infrastructure Ready: Bases in Ambala (Haryana) and Hasimara (West Bengal) already possess the technical “memory” and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities required to scale.

The “Make in India” Mandate: 96 Jets to be Built Domestically

Unlike the 2016 emergency purchase of 36 units, this mega-deal is a cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat 2047 industrial vision.

1. Phased Production: 18 jets will arrive from France to provide immediate relief, while 96 units will be produced at a domestic facility (likely in collaboration with Tata or HAL).

2. High Indigenization: The first locally-made jets will feature 30% Indian components, scaling to over 60% by the end of the production run.

3. Weapon Integration: Crucially, the deal mandates the integration of indigenous munitions, including the Astra Mk-II and BrahMos-NG, onto the French airframe.

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Operation Sindoor: The Combat Validation that Sealed the Deal

While the Rafale’s technical specs were never in doubt, its performance in Operation Sindoor (May 6–7, 2025) was the final catalyst.

• The Mission: Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, the IAF deployed Rafales to strike nine insurgent camps across the Line of Control.

• Electronic Superiority: Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor recently labeled the Rafale the “hero” of the operation, specifically citing the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite’s ability to baffle adversary radars while delivering precision SCALP and Hammer strikes.

Diplomatic Backdrop: Macron’s Visit and the 2026 Horizon

The timing of the DAC clearance is no coincidence. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit India from February 17 to 19, 2026, for the India-AI Impact Summit.

• Strategic Autonomy: France remains India’s most dependable defense partner, having notably refused to join sanctions during past geopolitical tensions.

• The Aero-Engine Push: New Delhi is leveraging this ₹3.25 lakh crore purchase to secure a 100% Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the Safran M88 engines, a move that would fast-track India’s own 5th-generation AMCA program.

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[THE INDIAN RAFALE FLEET: PROJECTED 2030]

Next Steps

If you are following the defense sector as an investor or enthusiast, you should monitor the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the final signature, which is expected before the end of the 2026 fiscal year. Furthermore, if you want to see the Rafale in action, you should look for the upcoming Exercise Vayu Shakti on February 27, 2026, where the IAF plans to recreate glimpses of the precision targeting used during Operation Sindoor.

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