New Delhi The Ministry of Defense has started discussing the proposal sent by the Indian Air Force for the purchase of 114 new Rafale Fighter Jets. These aircraft will be manufactured in India with a partnership of Indian aerospace companies by French company Dassault Aviation. According to sources, the deal can be more than Rs 2 lakh crore and it will use more than 60% indigenous materials. On completion, this will be the largest defense deal of the Government of India so far.

The Ministry of Defense received the Statement of Case (SOC) from the Air Force a few days ago. Now different departments of the ministry, including defense finance, are considering this. After this, the matter will be sent to the Defense Procurement Board (DPB) and then the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC).

Rafael’s current strength

The Indian Air Force already has 36 Rafale. The Indian Navy has also ordered 36 Rafale. After the new deal, India will have a total of 176 Rafale. Recently at Operation Sindoor, Rafael performed well against Pakistan and disasseed China’s PL-15 Air-to-air missile with its spectra electronic warfare system.

Long-range air-to-ground missiles, which will be more effective than the current scalp missile. It will use more than 60% indigenous components. Maintenance, repair and overhell (MRO) facility will be set up for M-88 engine in Hyderabad.

Dassault Aviation has already established a company in India, which is looking after the maintenance of french -origin fighter aircraft. Indian aerospace companies like Tata will also play an important role in this mega project.

In view of the increasing security threats along the border, the acquisition of new fighter aircraft is considered very important for India. The Indian Air Force’s backbone will be Sukhoi-30 MKI, Rafael and indigenous fighter aircraft in future. India has already ordered 180 LCA Mark 1A and plans to include the fifth generation indigenous fighter aircraft in a big way after 2035.