India has submitted a letter of intent to France to purchase 114 Rafale fighters, Indian defence-sector sources said. France is expected to respond in 2-3 months and both sides aim to complete negotiations next year. Including earlier intentions, the purchase would raise India’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, making it the largest Rafale operator outside France.

2026-06-03

India has submitted a letter of intent to France to purchase 114 Rafale fighters, Indian defence-sector sources said. France is expected to respond in 2-3 months and both sides aim to complete negotiations next year. Including earlier intentions, the purchase would raise India’s Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, making it the largest Rafale operator outside France.