Why Is India Buying 114 Rafale Jets When US & Russia Offered Their 5th Gen Fighter Aircrafts ?

India is about to make the largest defence purchase in its history. The Defence Ministry is considering a $39 billion deal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France — roughly $340 million per aircraft. This isn’t just about buying planes. It’s about what happened in May 2025 — and what the Indian Air Force is running out of. During Operation Sindoor, Rafale jets faced Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied PL-15 missiles and advanced air defences. They survived. Their Spectra electronic warfare system performed exactly as designed. That performance convinced India’s military leadership. With 36 Rafales already in service and 26 naval Rafale-M jets ordered, this deal would take India’s total Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft. #indianairforce #iafrafale #rafalejets #f35vssu57 #indiawantsrafale Welcome to Indiatimes Youtube channel. Your go-to source for news that matters. We deliver comprehensive coverage of international and national events, diving into politics, lifestyle, and all the trending stories that demand your attention. Stay informed with us. Follow us on Youtube:    / indiatimes   Follow us on Instagram:   / indiatimes   Like us on Facebook:   / indiatimes