How Many Rafales in India: Current Strength, Future Plans, and Public Interest

India’s acquisition of Rafale fighter jets has significantly boosted the combat capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is now also expanding to the Indian Navy. This article explores how many Rafale jets India currently has, what’s been ordered, their operational role, and what the public is most curious about regarding this powerful aircraft.

Total Number of Rafale Jets Acquired by India

India signed a €7.87 billion deal with Dassault Aviation in 2016 to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets. All 36 aircraft were delivered between 2019 and 2022. These jets were inducted into the IAF’s No. 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron based in Ambala and Hasimara, giving India a strategic air power advantage.

The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet known for its versatility, precision targeting, and superior air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. It has helped bridge the technology gap in the IAF’s fleet and has become a key part of India’s aerial deterrence.

Operational Status of Rafale Jets as of 2025

As of May 2025, the Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale fighter jets. However, according to recent unconfirmed reports, India may have lost up to three Rafale jets during active combat operations. While the IAF has not officially confirmed these losses, statements from Air Marshal A.K. Bharti suggest that some jets were involved in engagements with adversaries.

Even accounting for potential losses, India still maintains a substantial operational Rafale fleet, which remains at the core of India’s strategic air defence.

New Order: Rafale Marine Jets for the Indian Navy

In April 2025, India signed a new deal to acquire 26 Rafale Marine jets—a naval variant of the aircraft—for the Indian Navy. These jets will be deployed on INS Vikrant and future aircraft carriers, allowing India to project air power in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

These Rafale-M jets are specially designed for carrier operations, equipped with arrestor hooks and reinforced landing gear to operate from short runways at sea. Deliveries are expected to begin by 2028, with the aircraft strengthening India’s naval air strike capabilities.

Deployment and Base Locations

The IAF’s Rafales are currently based in:

• Ambala Air Force Station (Haryana) – Northern Sector
• Hasimara Air Force Station (West Bengal) – Eastern Sector

This dual-basing allows India to monitor both western and eastern borders effectively, offering quick response capabilities against both Pakistan and China.

Industrial and Strategic Partnerships

India’s Rafale acquisition also included technology transfer, support for Make in India, and collaboration on defence manufacturing. As a result, several Indian defence firms and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) have begun working on local production of certain parts and maintenance systems for the Rafale.

India is also now part of the global semiconductor and defence electronics ecosystem, supporting high-tech ventures that aid in jet manufacturing and sustainment.Why Rafale Matters for India’s Defence Strategy

The Rafale gives India a major edge in electronic warfare, stealth operations, and long-range targeting. Its Meteor missiles provide a beyond-visual-range strike capability unmatched by rivals in the region.

India’s defence strategy increasingly emphasizes interoperability, air dominance, and multi-theatre operations—all of which the Rafale supports effectively.

Future Expansion: More Rafales on the Horizon?

There is strong speculation that India may place a follow-up order for additional Rafales, possibly increasing the fleet beyond the current 36 + 26 (IAF + Navy). Negotiations have also touched on local assembly, which could significantly boost India’s domestic defence industry.

The growing tensions along India’s borders and the push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) make it likely that future Rafale deals will be aimed at deepening technological capabilities and manufacturing independence.