India is set to expand its fleet of Rafale fighter jets by acquiring 31 more carrier-based aircraft from France, according to a report by Militarni.
Under the existing MRFA program, India had already planned 114 Rafale jets.
With the new order, the total number of Rafale jets in India’s fleet will rise to 145.
Reliance Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will manufacture the airframe domestically, while France will provide certain components and the production rights for advanced AASM weapons.
In 2016, India signed an intergovernmental deal with France for 36 Rafale jets worth €7.87 billion, which have already been fully delivered.
In 2025, India ordered 26 Rafale M jets specifically for the Indian Navy.
The latest expansion demonstrates India’s continued focus on modernizing its air power and strengthening its defense capabilities in the region.