Exclusive: Defence Secretary Defends $34 Billion 114-Rafale Deal, Says Tejas On Track

India's continued interest in the French-designed Rafale fighter does not come at the cost of the development of the indigenous Tejas Mk-1A and Mk2 fighter jets.Asked why India would continue acquiring the Rafale into the mid-2030s when the home-grown Tejas Mk-2 would likely be available then, India's Defence Secretary, RK Singh, said, "I think [the] Rafale is a proven aircraft. We have already got in-out inventory. It did well in Operation Sindoor. We also have the Naval version on order right now. So we have a good relationship with the French as well. They have agreed to our mandate that they will make it [the Rafale fighter] in India with significant levels of indigenisation."Singh was speaking at the NDTV Defence Conclave 2026.The IAF's focus on the Rafale comes at a time of depleting squadron strength, with a host of legacy jets such as the MiG-21 being retired.