A few weeks ago, the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) Rafale. The defence ministry had said the procurement of the fighter jets would enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with long-range offensive strikes.
Nearly 80 per cent of the jets will be manufactured domestically, targeting 50-60 per cent indigenous content, while the remaining will be delivered in flyaway condition.
For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India
During the Rising Bharat Summit 2026, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh listed the conditions that France needs to meet for the procurement to happen.
He said the first condition is that these jets are to be largely made in India. Of the 114 fighters that India intends to procure, 18 will be delivered in flyaway condition, and 96 will be assembled in the country.
ALSO READ: The trouble with 114 Rafale fighter jets order: Co-produce the jet, but no control over 'brain'?
Singh further said the second requirement is that these jets should have a minimum level of indigenous content. "We are going to negotiate with them, and we will have a threshold that we have in mind, and also our ability to integrate our weapons. If not complete access to the source code, at least the ICDs (Interface Control Documents) so that our weapons can be integrated."
He said this also gives India the advantage of having a second fighter jet production line in the country.
Further, he clarified that India has not taken a call on procuring a fifth-generation fighter jet either from the US or from Russia.