India approves purchase of new French Rafale fighters

The Indian Ministry of Defense approved on Thursday the purchase of military equipment, including new French Rafale fighter jets, for 39 billion dollars (33 billion euros), before Emmanuel Macron’s visit next week to the country.

“These acquisitions… will enhance the ability to conduct air superiority missions across the entire conflict spectrum and significantly enhance the IAF’s deterrence capabilities (Indian Air Force) through long-range offensive strikes,” the ministry said in a statement.

A source within the Ministry of Defense told AFP that this green light from New Delhi concerns the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter planes.

It was given by the Defense Acquisition Council – comprising senior military officials and the Defense Minister – which is the first important step for any purchase of military equipment in the country.

“The majority of multi-role aircraft to be acquired will be manufactured in India,” the statement said.

A summit on AI in ell

In April 2025, India announced a new multi-billion dollar contract for the purchase of 26 Rafale fighter jets – 22 single-seaters and four two-seaters – for its navy.

Mentioned for the first time in 2023 during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France, this order was added to a first of 36 Rafales already placed by New Delhi in 2015.

Tuesday’s highly anticipated announcement comes as New Delhi prepares to host a summit on artificial intelligence next week where French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders are expected.

The Rafale is a so-called multirole combat aircraft, capable of carrying out air defense, reconnaissance or bombing missions. It is also the air vector of French nuclear deterrence.

It has been used by the French Navy since 2004 and the Air Force since 2006.