A French Air and Space Force Rafale fighter jet takes off from the 120th Air Force Base in Cazeau, southwest France, on January 29, 2026, during exercise TOPAZE 2026. The TOPAZE 2026 exercise will test rapid redeployment capabilities and operational readiness in simulated high-intensity combat conditions. (Photo by: Philippe LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Philip Lopez | AFP | Getty Images
India on Thursday approved the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France, the country’s largest aircraft order, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India.
The approval was part of New Delhi’s 3.6 trillion rupee ($39.7 billion) defense spending package targeting multiple acquisitions across the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defense has not disclosed the number of orders. Local media reported that India has purchased 114 Rafale fighter jets, 18 of which will be supplied by the manufacturer. Dassault The remaining 96 units are manufactured domestically.
The broader package includes upgrades to the Boeing P8I Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft for the navy, anti-tank mines for ground forces, and Soviet-era T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
The new aircraft are expected to help address shortages in the Indian Air Force, which operates 29 squadrons against the minimum requirement of 42 squadrons, according to a 2024 parliamentary report.
The Air Force recently retired two squadrons of Cold War-era MiG-21 fighters in September 2025 and is expected to phase out additional aircraft over the next few years.
The Rafale purchase follows another order in April for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. Dassault said India will be the first user outside France to operate the variant.
Rafale jets were used by the Indian Air Force during the 2025 conflict with Pakistan, during which at least one aircraft was reportedly lost in a battle with a Chinese-made J-10C in Islamabad.
Macron, who is visiting India from February 17 to 19, is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss expanding bilateral cooperation across sectors.
The two leaders will also inaugurate the Indo-French Year of Innovation and attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said.
“The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” the statement added.
