I have always seen the Indian Air Force as the silent guardian of our skies, flying with precision and discipline that inspires confidence. Over the years, it has flown through wars, crises, and countless tense patrols, relying on its pilots and machines to keep the nation safe. Today, it is sounding an urgent alarm once again, and at the heart of it lies the Rafale G2G deal.
I have followed India’s fighter jet procurement stories for years, and this one feels different. It is not just another defence contract or a file moving slowly through Delhi offices. This is about plugging a dangerous gap in our fighter strength and doing it fast.
The IAF is not asking for the Rafale simply for prestige. It is asking because the Rafale has proven itself in combat, fits our operational doctrine, and can be inducted without delays that could cost us dearly.
From Long-Term Plans to Immediate Necessity
For years, the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) programme was India’s flagship plan to strengthen the fighter fleet. The goal was simple: acquire 114 advanced jets to replace ageing aircraft, expand squadron numbers, and prepare for the reality of a two-front threat from China and Pakistan.
But the MRFA process has been dragging for seven to eight years, stuck in layers of procedures and shifting priorities. Now, with the IAF’s squadron strength set to fall from 31 to just 29 next month when the last MiG-21s retire, the luxury of time no longer exists.
This is why the India-France Rafale deal is being discussed in the form of a government-to-government agreement. This direct Rafale agreement would skip lengthy tenders, open negotiations with France, and bring new fighters into the fleet much faster.
What Changed? Operation Sindoor
The urgency hit me like a drumbeat in May 2025, during Operation Sindoor. I watched as the IAF’s Rafales took to the skies, cutting across the Pakistan border on precision strike missions.
What followed was nothing short of a masterclass in modern air warfare, with deep penetration into hostile territory, the destruction of terrorist camps and airbases with pinpoint accuracy, and a flawless return while evading the unblinking eyes of enemy radar.
Pakistan responded with Chinese-origin J-10 fighters, armed with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles capable of hitting targets over 200 kilometres away. Although India dismissed Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Rafales, the encounter underscored how rapidly the threat environment is evolving.
It’s the IAF’s Call and Our Duty to Deliver
One thing I have always respected about the IAF is its clarity in operational requirements. If the IAF says it needs more Rafales, it is based on mission data, threat evaluations, and combat analysis.
This is not about politics or bureaucratic turf wars. It is about trusting our Air Force to know what it needs to safeguard our sovereignty. When the first responders in the sky ask for specific capabilities, it is our national responsibility to ensure they get them quickly. Every month lost in paperwork is a month our pilots fly with fewer resources than they should have.
Why India is Considering the Rafale G2G Deal
Some ask why not wait for the MRFA competition to conclude. The answer is time. The MRFA will continue, but it will take years before those aircraft join the fleet. Such a direct Rafale purchase could fill the gap now, with deliveries starting well before any other option.
There is also a Make in India advantage. Most of these new Rafales could be assembled in India, creating jobs, building local expertise, and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.
In a related move, India and France have joined hands to produce Rafale fighter jet fuselages in Hyderabad, the first such manufacturing outside France, read the detailed update here.
Why MRFA Has Been Delayed
The MRFA’s long delay has many causes:
- Budget negotiations
- Changing operational priorities
- Complex procurement process
Under the current system, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) must first approve the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) before any purchase moves forward. While this ensures transparency, it also means each step can take months, sometimes years.
The Shrinking Fighter Fleet
Right now, the IAF operates 31 fighter squadrons, each with 16–18 jets. The sanctioned strength is 42.5 squadrons, a number intended for a potential two-front war. However, defence sources indicate that even 42.5 is not enough, as India would need at least 60–65 squadrons to effectively fight a 2.5-front war. With the MiG-21 retiring next month, that figure will drop to just 29 squadrons.
This is not just a statistic. It means fewer aircraft for combat air patrols, less reserve capacity in high-intensity conflicts, and reduced training flexibility. The Rafale fighter jet deal is essential to slow this decline until MRFA and future aircraft like the AMCA arrive.
The China-Pakistan Factor
Pakistan plans to induct 40 J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters from China, strengthening its airpower. Once operational, these aircraft could challenge even our most advanced air defences. China itself continues to expand its stealth fleet and is conducting aggressive aerial patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Alternatives like Russia’s Su-57 or America’s F-35 are available, but both have political, logistical, and delivery uncertainties. The Rafale, already proven in Indian service, avoids these risks.
A Proven Machine for Indian Skies
The Rafale is a combat-tested platform customised for Indian needs. Our Rafales carry:
- Meteor long-range missile
- SCALP deep-strike cruise missile
- HAMMER precision-guided bombs
They can operate from high-altitude bases, conduct deep strikes under heavy electronic countermeasures, and integrate seamlessly with our existing assets.
We already have the infrastructure, trained pilots, and maintenance systems in place. Inducting more will be cost-effective and swift compared to starting with a completely new aircraft type.
The Way Forward
The next few months will be decisive. If the DAC clears the MRFA AoN, the government can proceed with the Rafale G2G deal immediately. This would mean new jets joining the fleet years ahead of other acquisitions.
For me, this deal is about national readiness and ensuring our Air Force never compromises on capability. The India-France Rafale deal also strengthens a trusted defence partnership that has delivered consistently for decades.
Why the Rafale Fighter Jet Deal Matters Now
Every Rafale inducted is another layer of security for our skies. It boosts our deterrence, gives our pilots the tools they need, and sends a clear message that India will not allow its airpower advantage to slip.
The MRFA will eventually add more aircraft. The AMCA will come in its own time. However, the Rafale is currently the fighter that can close the gap, counter the threat, and buy us the time to build our future fleet.
Final Word
The skies over South Asia are changing. The balance of power is shifting. The Rafale G2G deal is not a luxury. It is a necessity. The IAF has spoken about what it needs, and it is our duty as a nation to meet those needs without delay. When the call comes to defend the country, hesitation is not an option.