India finalises request for 114 Rafale jets for France in biggest fighter deal yet

India has reportedly finalised the Letter of Request for the proposed acquisition of 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force under the MRFA programme. The deal, estimated at nearly Rs 3.25 lakh crore, is expected to become India’s largest-ever combat aircraft procurement. Around 90 aircraft are likely to be manufactured in India through a partnership involving Dassault Aviation, while the remaining jets would arrive in fly-away condition. The acquisition is aimed at addressing the IAF’s declining squadron strength and boosting long-term defence preparedness.