MMRCA 2.0 - Updates and Discussions
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Talks with France to begin for G2G deal for multirole fighter aircraft, Rafale M pact this month
MRFA deal will entail Rafale fighter & it will involve Dassault Aviation setting up a final assembly line in India in partnership with a defence industry player, ThePrint has learnt
theprint.in
HUGE development if true !!
Snehesh Alex Philip Chettan claiming GoI / MoD will be initiating talks with Dassault for procurement of 114 nos Rafales thru local mfg & inducting an initial batch imports from Dassault Merignac , in what's purportedly a single vendor situation.
Notably no other sources are confirming or denying the story till date but then again the story's just broke. Will wait for Steno Shishir & others close to the establishment for confirmation / their version.
Just like India was buying S 80 plus submarine according to him
They saw the associated survey and concluded that there was no point in organising a competition.
More like the lack of serious development programs from other competitors could put the Rafale's L1 status at risk if the tender route is chosen.
And speed is of the essence now. Looks like the IAF wants their jets from 2030-31 to meet their 2035 deadline.
36 hours + & no denial by ANI or HT which means something's brewing. Even I was taken aback by the brazen ness of the idea namely the doing away of a competitive tender resulting in a single vendor situation especially given the huge political fracas we had the last time around.
Looks like Modi's determined to milk the public performance of our ACM & various high level officials - both serving & retired , from the MoD , services , etc .
Let's see what eventually transpires although let me stress I'm standing in for someone as far as the business of predictions go , since that person in question has an abysmal record in this field. Where's PKS when you need him ?
It was Rafale, it is Rafale and it'll always be Rafale
You know it, I know it, GOI knows it too. No plan B. Gov-to-Gov deal or MRFA, who caresWhat if I tell you that talks are on. We're also seriously considering F-35s and figuring out how to do it
@ParthuPS: Maybe my dream of India operating Rafale + F-35 + Su-57/60 may come true at some time
I still think that going through a tender would be the better option considering it gives the IAF a chance to evaluate ECRS MK2 & Praetorian Evo against the RBE2A & Spectra combo, as well as giving the Indian side the upper hand during price & offsets negotiations later. But as long as the IAF gets more Rafales (preferably F5) via Make in India, I won't complain. It has always been Rafale or bust as far as MRFA is concerned, with Typhoon as the only competitor.
Well, hasn't it been undergoing tests since last year?
At the current stage of testing, it will perform less well than a Captor M. It should not be forgotten that it will not be operational until after the end of the decade, i.e. at the same time as the RBE2 XG.
If we are not getting the f-5's there's no point getting the rafale. Presently the best plane IAF can but is the typhoon with the captor mk2
Apparently Alpha Defence has noted in its latest video that Dr Samir Kamat has revealed we'd be finalizing our JV partner for the 120 KN TF for the AMCA Mk-2 within the next 2-3 months.
Why's this piece of news important & why am I posting it here ? It's because I believe this piece of news is intrinsically linked to the Snehesh Alex Philip reveal a few days ago of the GoI actively negotiating with Dassault for local mfg of 114 nos Rafale in a single vendor situation as opposed to the MMRCA 2.0 / MRFA tender. I'm just attempting to connect the dots.
I believe if we announce the JV partner for the 120 KN TF ( which in all likelihood will be SAFRAN , but that's not the news here ) the announcement for the signing of agreement for purchase / local mfg of the 114 nos Rafales won't be far off but will succeed the former development in a few months or definitely before the end of this FY.
What this means for the version we'd be opting for & in what proportion I'd leave it to the amateur experts to settle among themselves speaking of which I've not seen RST in action since a few days while I'm actually doing his job for him out here .
That's another trait I've noted about him . The day he comes up with honest speculations & analyses ( like he did in the GTRE Kaveri thread a few days ago ) , backed up by credible sources his system suffers a break down / re boot . It's happened quite a few times before. Among other mortals , it's referred to as withdrawal symptoms followed by a relapse. The latter too has been observed in him after every such "truthful bout" he undergoes.
Poor chap !!
Why's this piece of news important & why am I posting it here ? It's because I believe this piece of news is intrinsically linked to the Snehesh Alex Philip reveal a few days ago of the GoI actively negotiating with Dassault for local mfg of 114 nos Rafale in a single vendor situation as opposed to the MMRCA 2.0 / MRFA tender. I'm just attempting to connect the dots.
I believe if we announce the JV partner for the 120 KN TF ( which in all likelihood will be SAFRAN , but that's not the news here ) the announcement for the signing of agreement for purchase / local mfg of the 114 nos Rafales won't be far off but will succeed the former development in a few months or definitely before the end of this FY.
What this means for the version we'd be opting for & in what proportion I'd leave it to the amateur experts to settle among themselves speaking of which I've not seen RST in action since a few days while I'm actually doing his job for him out here .
That's another trait I've noted about him . The day he comes up with honest speculations & analyses ( like he did in the GTRE Kaveri thread a few days ago ) , backed up by credible sources his system suffers a break down / re boot . It's happened quite a few times before. Among other mortals , it's referred to as withdrawal symptoms followed by a relapse. The latter too has been observed in him after every such "truthful bout" he undergoes.
Poor chap !!
There's nothing out there, at least public. Let's first see what happens to F414 and AMCA's engine before talking about a fighter jet from the US.
Extra long weekend, baba. Thursday to Monday chutti. Someone has to have a life among us. Stalking is not my hobby.
Would have been possible via MRFA, considering testing would have to happen in 2026-27, giving it enough time. But if a GTG decision is being made now, it's too early. In fact, it's too early for XG as well.
Let's wait for official confirmation though. This 114-jet GTG news is still via unnamed sources. We will know within a week or two. Maybe it is so, or another 36-jet deal to bridge the gap between the first one and MRFA.
India's Mega Rafale Jet Deal: A Strategic Response To China's Military Rise
Monday, April 14, 2025 by Indian Defence News
India's expanding partnership with France for the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets represents a calculated strategic move to counterbalance China's growing military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The recent approvals for Rafale purchases, along with planned negotiations for additional aircraft, constitute one of the most significant military procurement initiatives in India's history, with far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics and the strategic competition with Beijing.
India's Expanding Rafale Fleet And Future Acquisitions
India is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its Rafale fighter jet fleet, building upon its initial acquisition of 36 jets that are currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) at bases in Ambala and Hasimara.
In a landmark decision announced on April 8, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy in a deal worth ₹63,000 crore. This naval acquisition includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets specifically designed for carrier-based operations.
Beyond these confirmed purchases, India is poised to significantly bolster its air power further with a planned government-to-government (G2G) deal for an additional 110 Rafale jets, with negotiations expected to commence later in 2025. This potential acquisition would address the IAF's critical shortfall in fighter squadrons while leveraging existing infrastructure and training protocols established for the original 36 Rafales.
The IAF leadership has explicitly favoured a G2G approach for these additional jets to avoid the protracted delays associated with open tenders, as exemplified by the stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. This pragmatic approach reflects the urgent operational needs of India's air defence strategy in response to evolving regional threats, particularly from China. The full fleet of recently approved naval Rafale jets is expected to be inducted by 2031, establishing a comprehensive air combat capability that spans both land-based and maritime domains.
The Strategic Capabilities of Rafale Fighting China's Rise
The Rafale fighter jet represents a quantum leap in India's air combat capabilities, providing several decisive advantages in any potential confrontation with China. Former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria described the Rafale as the "strongest weapon system in the inventory" during the tense aftermath of the Galwan clash. These aircraft offer nuclear delivery capability, significantly enhancing India's strategic deterrence posture vis-à-vis China. Furthermore, the jets come equipped with Beyond Visual Range Meteor Missiles, allowing Indian forces to strike enemy targets without crossing into hostile airspace—a crucial tactical advantage in the mountainous Himalayan terrain where border tensions frequently occur.
The Rafale's introduction into India's arsenal has clearly disrupted China's military calculations, as evidenced by Beijing's counter deployments. When India acquired its first Rafale jets, China responded by stationing four J-20 stealth fighters near the border. As India's Rafale numbers increased to four, China dramatically escalated its response, deploying 20 J-20s—a striking ratio of five Chinese fighters for each Indian Rafale. This disproportionate response underscores the strategic value China assigns to neutralising the Rafale advantage and reflects Beijing's assessment of the aircraft's capabilities as a significant threat.
China's Counter-Response And Border Deployments
China's deployment pattern of its premier J-20 stealth fighters reveals the extent to which it perceives India's Rafale acquisition as a strategic challenge. Recent high-resolution satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of at least seven J-20s at Shigatse airfield in Tibet, less than 150 kilometres from the Sikkim border and within 300 kilometres of India's Hasimara base where Rafales are stationed. This forward positioning represents a significant shift in China's air defence posture, as the J-20 was previously concentrated on China's eastern frontier facing the Pacific.
Military analysts characterise this deployment as "a clear and present threat to the Indian Air Force," noting that it "erodes the advantage enjoyed by IAF assets like the Rafale and imposes caution against the PLAAF [Chinese Air Force]". While India operates two Rafale squadrons totalling 36 jets, China has manufactured approximately 250 J-20 stealth fighters—a numerical disparity that underscores the importance of India's current and planned Rafale acquisitions as a counterbalance. The deployment of China's most advanced fighter aircraft to high-altitude Tibetan airfields signals Beijing's determination to neutralise any tactical advantages India might gain through its Rafale fleet.
The Naval Dimension: Projecting Power In The Indo-Pacific
The acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine jets represents India's largest-ever naval fighter deal and marks a significant evolution in the country's maritime strategy vis-à-vis China. These carrier-capable fighters will primarily operate from INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, complementing the existing Russian-origin MiG-29K fighters and reinforcing India's twin-carrier strategy in the region. The comprehensive package includes fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and technology transfer through offset obligations, which will benefit India's broader defence ecosystem.
This naval dimension of India's Rafale strategy directly responds to China's rapidly expanding naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific. The carrier-based Rafale-M jets will enhance India's ability to maintain air superiority, conduct anti-ship operations, and launch precision strikes from the sea—capabilities essential for countering China's increasingly assertive maritime activities. By strengthening its naval aviation arm, India aims to transform its navy into a modern blue-water force capable of projecting power beyond its shores, particularly in waters where Chinese influence has been growing.
Manufacturing Independence And Defence Industrial Base
A crucial aspect of India's Rafale strategy involves strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers—a key concern in any potential conflict scenario with China. The forthcoming G2G deal for 110 Rafale jets is expected to see Dassault Aviation taking full ownership of Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), a joint venture established in 2016 with Reliance Aerostructure Limited. Located in Nagpur's MIHAN Special Economic Zone, DRAL has been producing components for Rafale jets and other aircraft as part of Dassault's offset obligations from the 2016 deal.
Dassault's push for complete control stems from its determination to guarantee quality and streamline production, potentially making the facility viable for export markets as well. The company has claimed it could achieve a production rate of two Rafale jets per month at DRAL, delivering all 114 jets within five years—though some analysts question this timeline given Dassault's current production constraints in France. Nevertheless, the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities represents a long-term strategic investment that would reduce India's vulnerability to supply chain disruptions in the event of heightened tensions with China.
Strategic Implications For The India-China Power Balance
The Rafale acquisitions fundamentally reshape the air power equation between India and China, particularly in the strategically sensitive Himalayan frontier. The nuclear-capable Rafales, equipped with advanced missiles and electronic warfare systems, provide India with a credible deterrent against Chinese aggression. Chinese state media and defence analysts have openly expressed concern about India's increased military strength resulting from these acquisitions, indicating that the strategy is successfully influencing Beijing's risk calculations.
The revelation that China deployed 20 J-20s to counter just four Rafales has sparked significant discussions regarding the comparative capabilities of these advanced fighters and suggests that China may perceive each Rafale as a force multiplier requiring disproportionate resources to counter. This assessment is further reinforced by China's decision to reposition J-20s from their traditional deployment areas facing the Pacific to the India-China border region—a clear indication that Beijing views India's Rafale fleet as a serious strategic challenge requiring immediate countermeasures.
Conclusion: A Multi-Dimensional Strategic Response
India's Rafale acquisition strategy represents a sophisticated, multi-dimensional response to China's military rise that spans air, land, and maritime domains. By simultaneously bolstering its conventional deterrence, enhancing its nuclear delivery capabilities, strengthening its naval projection power, and developing domestic manufacturing capacity, India is systematically addressing the various facets of China's growing military might. The planned expansion to potentially 146 Rafale fighters (36 existing, 26 naval, and 110 additional) would constitute one of the largest Rafale fleets globally and significantly alter the regional military balance.
The strategic significance of these acquisitions is perhaps best evidenced by China's own responses—from the disproportionate deployment of J-20s to counter India's Rafales to the anxious commentary in Chinese state media.
As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly contested, India's Rafale strategy emerges as a central pillar in its broader effort to maintain strategic autonomy and safeguard its territorial integrity against potential challenges from a rising China. The coming years will reveal whether this significant investment delivers the intended strategic advantages in what promises to be an increasingly complex security environment.
Monday, April 14, 2025 by Indian Defence News
India's expanding partnership with France for the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets represents a calculated strategic move to counterbalance China's growing military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The recent approvals for Rafale purchases, along with planned negotiations for additional aircraft, constitute one of the most significant military procurement initiatives in India's history, with far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics and the strategic competition with Beijing.
India's Expanding Rafale Fleet And Future Acquisitions
India is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its Rafale fighter jet fleet, building upon its initial acquisition of 36 jets that are currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) at bases in Ambala and Hasimara.
In a landmark decision announced on April 8, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy in a deal worth ₹63,000 crore. This naval acquisition includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets specifically designed for carrier-based operations.
Beyond these confirmed purchases, India is poised to significantly bolster its air power further with a planned government-to-government (G2G) deal for an additional 110 Rafale jets, with negotiations expected to commence later in 2025. This potential acquisition would address the IAF's critical shortfall in fighter squadrons while leveraging existing infrastructure and training protocols established for the original 36 Rafales.
The IAF leadership has explicitly favoured a G2G approach for these additional jets to avoid the protracted delays associated with open tenders, as exemplified by the stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. This pragmatic approach reflects the urgent operational needs of India's air defence strategy in response to evolving regional threats, particularly from China. The full fleet of recently approved naval Rafale jets is expected to be inducted by 2031, establishing a comprehensive air combat capability that spans both land-based and maritime domains.
The Strategic Capabilities of Rafale Fighting China's Rise
The Rafale fighter jet represents a quantum leap in India's air combat capabilities, providing several decisive advantages in any potential confrontation with China. Former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria described the Rafale as the "strongest weapon system in the inventory" during the tense aftermath of the Galwan clash. These aircraft offer nuclear delivery capability, significantly enhancing India's strategic deterrence posture vis-à-vis China. Furthermore, the jets come equipped with Beyond Visual Range Meteor Missiles, allowing Indian forces to strike enemy targets without crossing into hostile airspace—a crucial tactical advantage in the mountainous Himalayan terrain where border tensions frequently occur.
The Rafale's introduction into India's arsenal has clearly disrupted China's military calculations, as evidenced by Beijing's counter deployments. When India acquired its first Rafale jets, China responded by stationing four J-20 stealth fighters near the border. As India's Rafale numbers increased to four, China dramatically escalated its response, deploying 20 J-20s—a striking ratio of five Chinese fighters for each Indian Rafale. This disproportionate response underscores the strategic value China assigns to neutralising the Rafale advantage and reflects Beijing's assessment of the aircraft's capabilities as a significant threat.
China's Counter-Response And Border Deployments
China's deployment pattern of its premier J-20 stealth fighters reveals the extent to which it perceives India's Rafale acquisition as a strategic challenge. Recent high-resolution satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of at least seven J-20s at Shigatse airfield in Tibet, less than 150 kilometres from the Sikkim border and within 300 kilometres of India's Hasimara base where Rafales are stationed. This forward positioning represents a significant shift in China's air defence posture, as the J-20 was previously concentrated on China's eastern frontier facing the Pacific.
Military analysts characterise this deployment as "a clear and present threat to the Indian Air Force," noting that it "erodes the advantage enjoyed by IAF assets like the Rafale and imposes caution against the PLAAF [Chinese Air Force]". While India operates two Rafale squadrons totalling 36 jets, China has manufactured approximately 250 J-20 stealth fighters—a numerical disparity that underscores the importance of India's current and planned Rafale acquisitions as a counterbalance. The deployment of China's most advanced fighter aircraft to high-altitude Tibetan airfields signals Beijing's determination to neutralise any tactical advantages India might gain through its Rafale fleet.
The Naval Dimension: Projecting Power In The Indo-Pacific
The acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine jets represents India's largest-ever naval fighter deal and marks a significant evolution in the country's maritime strategy vis-à-vis China. These carrier-capable fighters will primarily operate from INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, complementing the existing Russian-origin MiG-29K fighters and reinforcing India's twin-carrier strategy in the region. The comprehensive package includes fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and technology transfer through offset obligations, which will benefit India's broader defence ecosystem.
This naval dimension of India's Rafale strategy directly responds to China's rapidly expanding naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific. The carrier-based Rafale-M jets will enhance India's ability to maintain air superiority, conduct anti-ship operations, and launch precision strikes from the sea—capabilities essential for countering China's increasingly assertive maritime activities. By strengthening its naval aviation arm, India aims to transform its navy into a modern blue-water force capable of projecting power beyond its shores, particularly in waters where Chinese influence has been growing.
Manufacturing Independence And Defence Industrial Base
A crucial aspect of India's Rafale strategy involves strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers—a key concern in any potential conflict scenario with China. The forthcoming G2G deal for 110 Rafale jets is expected to see Dassault Aviation taking full ownership of Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), a joint venture established in 2016 with Reliance Aerostructure Limited. Located in Nagpur's MIHAN Special Economic Zone, DRAL has been producing components for Rafale jets and other aircraft as part of Dassault's offset obligations from the 2016 deal.
Dassault's push for complete control stems from its determination to guarantee quality and streamline production, potentially making the facility viable for export markets as well. The company has claimed it could achieve a production rate of two Rafale jets per month at DRAL, delivering all 114 jets within five years—though some analysts question this timeline given Dassault's current production constraints in France. Nevertheless, the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities represents a long-term strategic investment that would reduce India's vulnerability to supply chain disruptions in the event of heightened tensions with China.
Strategic Implications For The India-China Power Balance
The Rafale acquisitions fundamentally reshape the air power equation between India and China, particularly in the strategically sensitive Himalayan frontier. The nuclear-capable Rafales, equipped with advanced missiles and electronic warfare systems, provide India with a credible deterrent against Chinese aggression. Chinese state media and defence analysts have openly expressed concern about India's increased military strength resulting from these acquisitions, indicating that the strategy is successfully influencing Beijing's risk calculations.
The revelation that China deployed 20 J-20s to counter just four Rafales has sparked significant discussions regarding the comparative capabilities of these advanced fighters and suggests that China may perceive each Rafale as a force multiplier requiring disproportionate resources to counter. This assessment is further reinforced by China's decision to reposition J-20s from their traditional deployment areas facing the Pacific to the India-China border region—a clear indication that Beijing views India's Rafale fleet as a serious strategic challenge requiring immediate countermeasures.
Conclusion: A Multi-Dimensional Strategic Response
India's Rafale acquisition strategy represents a sophisticated, multi-dimensional response to China's military rise that spans air, land, and maritime domains. By simultaneously bolstering its conventional deterrence, enhancing its nuclear delivery capabilities, strengthening its naval projection power, and developing domestic manufacturing capacity, India is systematically addressing the various facets of China's growing military might. The planned expansion to potentially 146 Rafale fighters (36 existing, 26 naval, and 110 additional) would constitute one of the largest Rafale fleets globally and significantly alter the regional military balance.
The strategic significance of these acquisitions is perhaps best evidenced by China's own responses—from the disproportionate deployment of J-20s to counter India's Rafales to the anxious commentary in Chinese state media.
As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly contested, India's Rafale strategy emerges as a central pillar in its broader effort to maintain strategic autonomy and safeguard its territorial integrity against potential challenges from a rising China. The coming years will reveal whether this significant investment delivers the intended strategic advantages in what promises to be an increasingly complex security environment.
2 Rafales a month will definitely give us all 114 by 2035. We are expected to get all 118 LCA Mk2s by the same time too.