India Selects 114 More Rafale Jets in $39 Billion Deal, Prioritising Proven Combat Edge Over Fifth-Gen Alternatives

India’s pursuit of 114 additional Rafale jets from France, valued at approximately $39 billion or ₹3.25 lakh crore, reflects a strategic emphasis on battle-tested performance and urgent operational demands rather than unproven fifth-generation offers from the US or Russia.In May 2025’s Operation Sindoor, Rafale aircraft faced Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied PL-15 missiles and advanced air defences
India’s pursuit of 114 additional Rafale jets from France, valued at approximately $39 billion or ₹3.25 lakh crore, reflects a strategic emphasis on battle-tested performance and urgent operational demands rather than unproven fifth-generation offers from the US or Russia.In May 2025’s Operation Sindoor, Rafale aircraft faced Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied PL-15 missiles and advanced air defences
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