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IAF Chief: India Aims to Finalize MRFA Deal by FY27, Boost Fighter Fleet
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CNBC TV18•03-10-2026, 23:05
IAF Chief: India Aims to Finalize MRFA Deal by FY27, Boost Fighter Fleet
- •Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated India could sign the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal with France before the current financial year ends.
- •The proposed acquisition, estimated at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore, involves 114 Rafale fighter jets, with the majority to be manufactured in India.
- •Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that bids for the MRFA deal are currently under formal assessment.
- •The acquisition aims to address the IAF's shortage of fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 29 against an authorized strength of 42.5.
- •If the MRFA contract proceeds, the combined Rafale fleet across the Air Force and Navy would total 176 aircraft.
Key Questions Answered
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that India could finalise and sign the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal with France during the current financial year (FY27), provided that all procedures and negotiations progress smoothly.
In February 2026, India's Defence Acquisition Council granted an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, with the majority intended to be manufactured locally in India.
The Indian Air Force currently operates about 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42.5, creating a shortage that the proposed Rafale and other acquisitions aim to address.
