India Advances Rafale Purchase, Considers Sukhoi-57; France Loses Colombia Fighter Jet Deal

India is progressing towards acquiring 114 Rafale fighter jets from France to strengthen its air force, while also considering the induction of Russia's fifth-generation Sukhoi-57 aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited awaits a detailed cost and infrastructure report from Russia for domestic production of the Sukhoi-57. Meanwhile, France's Dassault Aviation lost a significant Rs 29,000-crore fighter jet deal to Sweden's Gripen in Colombia, where lower costs and local industrial benefits influenced the decision.