India may finalise MRFA deal by current financial year: IAF chief
The Indian Air Force Chief stated that India aims to finalize the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets by the end of the current financial year. He also emphasized the necessity of integrating artificial intelligence and developing domestic engine production for future combat readiness.
Why it matters
Modernizing the Indian Air Force is a strategic priority for national defense, particularly amid concerns over squadron strength and technological parity.
India is looking at finalising the much-awaited multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) deal by this financial year, provided things go as per plan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said on Saturday (October 3, 2026).
In its largest-ever defence acquisition push, India in February 2026 cleared a long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework with France, nearly two decades after the plan was originally rolled out to boost the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat prowess.
The price negotiations and other critical issues relating to the project are currently under way.
Addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day, the Air Chief Marshal also said the force may have to look at the procurement of another platform if the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme faces delays.
"Russia has offered us Su-57 jets, but no decision has been made on it," he said.
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