India is moving closer to a major decision on its planned purchase of 114 Rafale fighters, with bids currently undergoing detailed assessment by the Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh indicated that the programme has reached a critical evaluation phase and could advance to negotiations and a final decision before the end of the procurement cycle. A central feature of the Indian requirement is the demand for significantly greater domestic manufacturing than in previous Rafale purchases. The programme is expected to follow a buy-and-make model, with most aircraft assembled in India. New Delhi also wants Indian weapons, electronics, components and other systems incorporated into the aircraft. The approach is designed not merely to acquire fighters but also to establish a larger domestic combat-aircraft manufacturing ecosystem. India already operates 36 Rafales with the IAF and has ordered 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Navy. The proposed 114-aircraft programme could therefore provide a substantial expansion while creating manufacturing opportunities for Indian defence companies and MSMEs. The reported potential value of around ₹3.25 lakh crore makes the programme one of India’s most significant fighter acquisitions. At the same time, the government is continuing indigenous fighter development. Tejas Mk-2 is expected to conduct its first flight around the middle of next year, with a projected requirement of approximately 120 aircraft. Its future numbers will depend on flight testing and operational assessment. The government also intends to develop the aircraft through successive capability upgrades rather than treating the initial configuration as final. HAL is expected to retain the lead role, while private industry will increasingly contribute major structures and subassemblies. On fifth-generation aircraft, Singh clarified that India has not decided to acquire a foreign fighter and is instead concentrating on AMCA. The indigenous programme has reached the RFP stage with shortlisted companies. The overall strategy combines immediate fighter-strengthening measures through Rafale with longer-term self-reliance through Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA.
