India moves closer to mega Rafale deal, but will it solve the IAF’s fighter shortage?

India is set to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France in a significant government-to-government deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore. While 18 will be fly-away, 96 will be manufactured in India. This acquisition aims to bolster the Indian Air Force’s depleted squadron strength, though indigenous programs like Tejas Mk2 and AMCA are crucial for long-term security against evolving threats.