Carnegie India 159d ago

#CarnegieDefenseInsights #Rafale #IndianAirForce #IndiaDefense #MRFA #IAF #IntegratedBattleGroups #Pinaka #MissileForce #DefenseAcquisitionCouncil #IndiaUAE #MilitaryModernization #amcamravati In this episode of Carnegie Insights, the focus is on the Indian Air Force’s push for 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, as the proposal clears key procedural milestones within India’s defence procurement system. The discussion explains why Rafale has emerged as the most practical solution to India’s growing fighter squadron shortfall, the stalled MRFA process, and how additional Rafales fit into the IAF’s long-term force structure alongside the LCA and AMCA programs. The episode also examines the Indian Army’s transformation, including approval for Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), plans for a consolidated rocket and missile force, and the evolution of systems such as Pinaka, Pralay, and long-range guided rockets. Finally, Dinakar analyzes the strategic significance of the recent India–UAE defence engagement, highlighting expanding military cooperation, regional geopolitics, and the implications of Rafale interoperability as both countries operate the same fighter platform. Together, these developments show how India is balancing immediate operational requirements with long-term capability building in a rapidly evolving security environment. Chapters 00:00 – Indian Army Transformation, IBGs, and Future Missile Forces 05:01 – Why the Indian Air Force Needs More Rafale Fighter Jets 11:20 – India’s Air Power Future: AMCA Fighter and Jet Engine Development 13:48 – India–UAE Defence Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships Dinakar Peri is a Fellow in the Security Studies Program at Carnegie India, where he focuses on defence and strategic affairs. Previously, he spent nearly 11 years as a defence correspondent with The Hindu newspaper, covering military developments, defence procurement, and national security issues. He has also held research roles at Indian think tanks such as the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). | https://carnegieendowment.org/people/dinakar-peri