The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking additional Rafale fighter jets from France to address the dwindling number of its fighter squadrons, particularly after the recent Operation Sindoor. This move is part of a larger effort to maintain a sufficient combat force in the face of evolving security challenges.

Operation Sindoor and Fighter Attrition

Operation Sindoor, a military engagement with Pakistan in May 2025, highlighted the importance of a robust and modern air force. During the operation, the IAF extensively used its Rafale jets for long-range strikes. While India has not officially disclosed its fighter losses, the need to replenish and augment its existing fleet has become apparent. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh stated that five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft were downed during Operation Sindoor. He also revealed that one of the targets was engaged from approximately 300 km, which is the "largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill". Pakistan, however, claims to have inflicted heavy losses on the IAF, including the downing of six fighter jets. Pakistan has challenged India to a joint audit of aircraft inventories to verify the losses from Operation Sindoor.

Depleting Squadron Strength

The IAF is currently grappling with a reduced number of fighter squadrons. As of July 2025, the IAF has 31 fighter squadrons, which is significantly below the authorized strength of 42.5 squadrons required to effectively handle threats from both China and Pakistan. The retirement of MiG-21 squadrons is expected to further decrease the strength to 29 squadrons. Each squadron typically consists of 16 to 18 jets.

Several factors have contributed to this depletion, including the phasing out of older aircraft like the MiG-21s, delays in the delivery of the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), and the long-pending Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program.

The Rafale Option

To address this critical shortfall, the IAF is strongly advocating for a government-to-government deal with France to acquire more Rafale fighters. This would be under the MRFA project, which envisions a large portion of the aircraft being manufactured domestically with foreign collaboration. The IAF is expected to move the MRFA case for initial acceptance of necessity (AoN) to be approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet with proven capabilities. The IAF already operates 36 Rafales acquired in 2016. Recently, the Indian Navy also signed a deal for 26 Rafale-M carrier-based fighters. If the IAF's proposal is approved, India would become the first country other than France to operate both versions of the Rafale.

Challenges and Alternatives

While the Rafale is a strong contender, the MRFA program has been delayed for several years. The program, initially estimated to cost over Rs 1.2 lakh crore, aims to acquire 114 multi-role fighter aircraft. As a result, the IAF is exploring other options, including the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk2 and potential imports of fifth-generation fighters like the Russian Su-57 or the American F-35 as an interim measure.

The acquisition of fifth-generation fighters would provide a technological edge, particularly against China's growing fleet of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters. However, these options also present challenges related to cost, technology transfer, and integration with existing systems.

Maintaining Combat Readiness

The IAF is also focusing on upgrading its existing fleet and enhancing its overall combat capabilities. This includes upgrading weapon systems, avionics, and electronic warfare capabilities. The service is also emphasizing the importance of force multipliers such as airborne early warning and control systems (AEW&C) and air-to-air refuelers.

Despite the challenges, the IAF remains committed to maintaining its combat readiness and ensuring the security of Indian airspace. The potential acquisition of additional Rafale fighters, along with other modernization efforts, is crucial for achieving this goal.