India Nears Clearance of Rafale MRFA Deal; IAF Outlines Expanded AWACS Plans

New Delhi: India is advancing a major defence acquisition involving 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, with key clearances achieved and final approvals expected. 

Separately, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning a substantial expansion of its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet to improve airborne surveillance and command capabilities.

Rafale MRFA Deal in Final Approval Stages

India’s Defence Procurement Board has cleared the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, marking one of the largest proposed defence deals in the country’s history and addressing long-standing requirements to bolster air combat strength. The deal, estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, would be signed with France and includes domestic production components under India’s defence manufacturing initiatives. 

The proposal will next go to the Defence Acquisition Council and then the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval.

Government and defence sources said discussions with France are gaining momentum ahead of a planned visit by the French President to India, with hopes of concluding the agreement during that meeting. The acquisition aims to close gaps in squadron strength identified by the IAF, which currently operates below its authorised levels for fighter aircraft.

If finalised, this deal would significantly increase the IAF’s Rafale fleet, complementing the 36 currently in service and the 26 ordered for the Indian Navy under separate agreements.

IAF’s AWACS Expansion Plans

In parallel with fighter jet procurements, the IAF is advancing plans to enhance its airborne early warning and control capabilities. India is developing Netra Mk 1A and Mk 2 AEW&C aircraft as part of a broader AWACS expansion, with multiple platforms planned over the coming years.

The Netra Mk 1A platform, based on the Embraer ERJ-145 airframe with advanced radar and electronic systems, has received approval for acquisition to strengthen existing capabilities.

The Netra Mk 2 project, cleared by government authorities, will use six Airbus A321 aircraft converted to AEW&C roles with larger radar arrays and mission systems. These aircraft are expected to offer significantly enhanced surveillance reach and situational awareness compared with earlier models, with delivery anticipated by the early 2030s.

These developments form part of the IAF’s long-term plan to modernise its airborne warning fleet and improve battlefield command, control, and surveillance capabilities.