India to buy 114 more Rafale Fighter Jets in record defence deal with France

India is set to sign a landmark defence agreement with France to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets at an estimated cost of ₹3.25 lakh crore, marking the largest defence deal in the country’s history. The deal is expected to be finalised ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India.

The Defence Ministry has already given its approval for the purchase, which will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities. Of the 114 aircraft, 88 will be single-seat jets, while 26 will be twin-seat variants, sources said.

Deal Likely During Macron’s India Visit

President Macron is scheduled to visit New Delhi on February 18 to attend an international AI Summit. During his visit, India and France are also expected to sign several other bilateral agreements. The Rafale deal is likely to be among the key highlights of the visit.

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Currently, the Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, which were inducted following an earlier agreement with France. The addition of 114 more aircraft will substantially enhance India’s air power amid evolving regional security challenges.

Officials said the proposed procurement aligns with India’s long-term defence modernisation plans and reflects deepening strategic ties between New Delhi and Paris.