New Delhi / Paris, August 2025 – According to Avions Légendaires, the Dassault Aviation Rafale F4 has emerged as the leading contender in India’s long-awaited Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. French and Indian defense media sources indicate that India is preparing to finalize a landmark 114-jet Rafale F4 deal, signaling a dramatic shift that would solidify the platform as the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The final push, it seems, was not just about offsets or industrial strategy but survival. Per Avions Légendaires, during a recent air operation against Pakistan, an Indian Rafale was engaged by a Chinese-made PL‑15 air-to-air missile yet managed to return safely, preserving its pilot’s life. This unlikely survival reportedly convinced IAF decision-makers to commit to the megadeal.
A Swift, Strategic G2G Agreement
The MRFA deal is expected to be a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement, negotiated directly by Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi, fast-tracking delivery and bypassing bureaucratic delays. An official announcement may be made during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York next month.
This surge follows several years of speculation. Defense outlets in India and France have highlighted the Rafale’s dominant position citing the aircraft as the “overwhelming favorite” for nearly a year.
Modernizing the IAF: Urgency Meets Capability
The MRFA program aims to replace aircraft like the Mirage 2000, MiG‑29, and SEPECAT Jaguar in frontline service. With only 31 operational squadrons far short of the approved strength of over 42, the IAF faces critical shortages amid growing threats from China and Pakistan.
By procuring 114 Rafale F4 fighters through G2G, India addresses both immediate readiness and long-term capability in one stroke.
Built in India, Powered for the Globe
The contract will reportedly include a robust “Make in India” component: 75–80% of the fleet will be assembled domestically, with the remainder delivered from France.
Indeed, a landmark agreement already exists: Dassault and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) are collaborating to produce Rafale fuselage components in Hyderabad. This is the first time such parts will be manufactured outside of France, with production expected to begin by 2028 at a rate of two fuselages per month.
Rafale F4: Effortless Integration and Future-Ready
The Rafale F4 configuration includes enhanced sensor fusion, advanced electronic warfare systems, improved networking, and compatibility with indigenous weapons. Crucially, it’s ITAR-free, meaning the U.S. cannot restrict India’s access to parts or upgrades, an important advantage amid rising commercial tensions with Washington.
India Poised to Become Rafale’s Premier Operator
With this acquisition, India will surpass France and the United Arab Emirates to become the world’s largest Rafale operator.
The Bigger Picture
This deal delivers a comprehensive strategic punch:
- Field-proven resilience: The Rafale that survived a missile strike symbolizes battlefield toughness.
- Industrial autonomy: Local production deepens defense independence.
- Geopolitical leverage: A G2G deal underscores India’s sovereignty in arms procurement.
- Strategic alignment: The decision reaffirms France as a reliable partner, even as American and Russian offers falter.
As Avions Légendaires aptly concludes, India’s decisive embrace of the Rafale is not merely a contract, it’s a declaration of tactical dominance and industrial ambition .
Will there be a Compitition or just Rafale purchase without any MRFA Tender where other jets can participate
Indian Armed forces and RA&W deadly combination