New Delhi Boosts Air Force Readiness With Major Fighter Acquisition

India has approved a $39 billion deal to purchase 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets, marking a significant boost to the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness and modernization efforts. The majority of the jets will be manufactured in India, according to the Defense Acquisition Council. The purchase is the culmination of years of negotiations, which included a previous deal collapse in 2015. The Indian Air Force’s ambition for Rafale jets dates back to 2007, and this new agreement is expected to undertake air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict. The news comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to India, as reported by AeroTime.