1 Rafale Price in Indian Rupees, Top-Sped, Specs and More
1 Rafale Price in Indian Rupees: The Dassault Rafale is a top multirole fighter jet. Made by Dassault Aviation, this French company plays a key role in air forces worldwide, including India’s. The Rafale’s design mixes versatility with modern technology, making it a strong contender in combat. In India, the Rafale symbolizes the push for defense modernization as the Indian Air Force has added these jets to boost its strength.
The Rafale is known for its speed, agility, and advanced weapons. It can handle various missions, from air superiority to ground attacks and nuclear deterrence. This fighter jet features advanced radar systems, weapon integration, and electronic warfare tools.
we will look at the price, top speed, specifications, and other important details of the Rafale fighter jet in India. We will highlight its role in the nation’s defense strategy.
1 Rafale Price in Indian Rupees
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2016 Deal for 36 Rafale Jets: India signed a deal worth approximately ₹58,891 crore (around €7.87 billion) for 36 Rafale aircraft. This translates to about ₹1,635 crore per aircraft, considering the total cost divided by the number of units.
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2025 Deal for 26 Rafale Marine Jets: India approved a government-to-government deal valued at over ₹63,000 crore for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France. This amounts to approximately ₹2,423 crore per aircraft.
| Deal | Total Cost (₹ Crore) | Number of Aircraft | Cost per Aircraft (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Deal (36 Jets) | 58,891 | 36 | 1,635 |
| 2025 Deal (26 Marine Jets) | 63,000 | 26 | 2,423 |
Top-speed
The Dassault Rafale has a top speed of approximately 1,913 km/h (1,190 mph), which is around Mach 1.8. This makes it one of the fastest multirole fighter jets in the world.
Its high-speed capability is essential for various combat and tactical missions, allowing it to quickly engage targets or evade threats. Additionally, the Rafale’s advanced aerodynamics and powerful engines contribute to its impressive speed and agility in the air.
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Features and Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Multirole Fighter Jet |
| Engine | 2 x Snecma M88-2 turbofan engines |
| Maximum Speed | 1,913 km/h (Mach 1.8) |
| Range | 3,700 km (with drop tanks) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,240 meters (50,000 feet) |
| Length | 15.30 meters |
| Wingspan | 10.90 meters |
| Height | 5.30 meters |
| Weight (Empty) | 9,500 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 24,500 kg |
| Armament | Air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, precision bombs, nuclear weapons |
| Avionics | RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare system, OSF infrared search and track system |
| Crew | 1-2 (Single-seat or two-seat variants) |
| Maneuverability | Exceptional agility with advanced thrust vectoring and fly-by-wire system |
| Stealth Features | Designed for low radar cross-section, with reduced visibility |
| Operational Roles | Air Superiority, Ground Attack, Reconnaissance, Nuclear Deterrence |
Competitors
| Fighter Jet | Manufacturer | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Eurofighter Typhoon | Eurofighter Consortium (UK, Germany, Italy, Spain) | Known for its superior agility and advanced avionics, designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. High-performance engine and excellent maneuverability. |
| Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon | Lockheed Martin (USA) | A versatile, multi-role fighter with a proven combat record. Known for its agility and ease of maintenance, widely used by air forces around the world. |
| F/A-18 Hornet | Boeing (USA) | A carrier-capable multirole fighter designed for both air superiority and ground attack. Known for its flexibility and capability in both air and naval operations. |
| Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle | Boeing (USA) | A variant of the F-15, designed for long-range, precision strike capabilities. Primarily used for deep strike and ground attack missions. |
| Sukhoi Su-30MKI | Sukhoi (Russia/India) | A highly capable twin-engine, multirole fighter developed for the Indian Air Force. Known for its long-range, high-speed, and superior maneuverability. |
| Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II | Lockheed Martin (USA) | A stealthy, advanced multirole fighter with cutting-edge radar and avionics, used for air superiority, ground attack, and stealth reconnaissance. |
| SAAB Gripen | SAAB (Sweden) | A lightweight, multirole fighter jet known for its cost-effectiveness and adaptability, especially in smaller air forces. Provides high agility and versatility in combat. |
| Chengdu J-10 | Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (China) | A lightweight multirole fighter jet with high agility and a wide array of weapon systems, used primarily by China. |
FAQs
1. What is the cost of a Rafale jet?
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The cost of a Rafale aircraft varies based on the deal and configuration. In the 2016 deal for 36 Rafale jets, the cost was around ₹1,635 crore per aircraft. In the 2025 deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets, the cost is approximately ₹2,423 crore per aircraft.
2. What is the top speed of the Rafale?
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The Rafale has a top speed of approximately 1,913 km/h (Mach 1.8), making it one of the fastest fighter jets.
3. What are the primary roles of the Rafale?
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The Rafale is a multirole fighter capable of performing air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions.
4. How many Rafale jets are in service with the Indian Air Force?
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India has procured 36 Rafale jets as part of the 2016 deal with France. Additional Rafale Marine aircraft are expected as part of a new deal for the Indian Navy.
5. What are the key features of the Rafale’s avionics?
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The Rafale is equipped with advanced avionics, including the RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare system, and the OSF infrared search and track system.
6. Can the Rafale carry nuclear weapons?
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Yes, the Rafale is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, making it an essential part of a nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
7. What is the Rafale’s service ceiling?
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The Rafale has a service ceiling of 15,240 meters (50,000 feet), allowing it to operate at high altitudes.
8. How many crew members can the Rafale accommodate?
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The Rafale can be configured for single-seat or two-seat variants, allowing it to accommodate one or two crew members depending on the mission requirements.
9. How far can the Rafale fly on a single tank of fuel?
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The Rafale has a range of 3,700 km with drop tanks, enabling it to undertake long-range missions.
10. Is the Rafale stealthy?
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While not a fully stealth fighter, the Rafale has been designed with stealth features to reduce its radar cross-section, allowing it to operate in contested environments.
Conclusion
The Dassault Rafale is one of the most advanced multirole fighter jets today. Its high performance and cutting-edge technology make it a key asset for air forces worldwide. With great speed, range, and advanced systems like the RBE2 AESA radar and SPECTRA electronic warfare system, the Rafale excels in air superiority and ground attack roles. India’s purchase of the Rafale has greatly enhanced its defense capabilities, showing effectiveness in many operational scenarios. Despite its high cost, the Rafale’s modern warfare skills justify the price. In air-to-air combat or precision strikes, it offers unmatched efficiency and power. As defense tech evolves, the Rafale remains a strong contender in the fighter jet market.
