IAF plans major fighter jet expansion with Rafale or something new, Vice Chief Nagesh Kapoor hints

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoors remarks come as the Indian Defence Ministry is on the verge of clearing (or has recently advanced toward clearing) a proposal to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor on Wednesday said the Rafale fighter jets were the "hero" of Operation Sindoor and confirmed that the Indian Air Force is looking to induct more multi-role fighter aircraft. He added that a final decision on the type of aircraft, whether Rafale or another model, is yet to be taken.

"Rafale was definitely the hero during Operation Sindoor. Indian Air Force is looking forward to inducting more MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft), which is going to be Rafale or any other, which are under deliberations, and a concrete decision has yet to be taken," Air Marshal Kapoor said.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor's remarks come as the Indian Defence Ministry is on the verge of clearing (or has recently advanced toward clearing) a massive Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.

This statement aligns with ongoing deliberations for the MRFA tender, potentially favoring more Rafales (with 18 in fly-away condition and 96 to be manufactured domestically in India), ahead of or coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India, boosting the IAF's squadron strength following the jet's proven role in the recent conflict.

But Air Marshal Kapoor's remarks also come as people express shock over the Rafale's cost and his hint that the IAF is eyeing more multi-role fighters (Rafale or otherwise, with no final call yet) may point to something else entirely.