The Rafale Pivot: India’s Strategic Endgame for Aerial Superiority

Abstract In January 2026, India’s Defence Procurement Board (DPB) cleared a landmark ₹3.25 lakh crore ($39 billion) deal for 114 Rafale jets, concluding a 25-year search for a fleet backbone. This “Rafale Pivot” addresses a critical operational void, as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strength had plummeted to 29 squadrons against a requirement of 42.…