New Delhi: India is set to take up a proposal for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France at a high-level Defence Ministry meeting scheduled later this week, a move that could lead to the country’s largest-ever defence deal, estimated at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
According to reports, the jets will be manufactured in India under a government-to-government arrangement, with indigenous content pegged at about 30 per cent. The proposal also includes the purchase of 12 to 18 Rafale aircraft in fly-away condition for early induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
As part of the discussions, India is seeking the integration of indigenous weapons and systems on the French-origin aircraft, although the source codes will remain with France. The deal is moving forward despite offers from the US and Russia to supply their fifth-generation fighters, including the F-35 and Su-57.
If cleared, the deal would take India’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, including the 36 already in service with the IAF and 26 ordered by the Navy. The proposal will require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security after Defence Ministry clearance.
France is also expected to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad, with Indian firms such as Tata likely to participate in manufacturing.
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