Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 13: The Defence Ministry has received a proposal from the Indian Air Force to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets to be built in India, in what could become the country’s biggest-ever defence deal, ANI reported on Friday.

The project—estimated at over Rs 2 lac cr with more than 60 percent indigenous content—envisions joint production by French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Indian aerospace firms. Officials said the Statement of Case reached the ministry a few days ago and will soon be examined by the Defence Procurement Board headed by the Defence Secretary.

If cleared, the purchase will raise India’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft. The IAF already operates 36 Rafales, while the Navy has ordered 26 more under a separate government-to-government arrangement.

Meanwhile, France-based Safran Aerospace announced it will set up Safran Aircraft Engine Services India in Hyderabad to maintain and overhaul the Rafale’s M88 engines. The facility is expected to create about 150 jobs by late next year, with scope to add up to 750 more in subsequent phases, the Telangana government said.