Defense & Military
India’s 114 Rafale Jet Deal Raises Cost and Strategic Questions
India’s approval for 114 Dassault Rafale jets revives a cancelled 2007 tender with costs tripling and delivery delays raising strategic concerns.
This article summarizes reporting by The Wire.
The Indian government’s recent moves to approve the procurement of 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets have sparked significant debate regarding financial prudence and strategic planning. According to reporting by The Wire, the proposed acquisition, aimed at bolstering the Indian Air-Forces (IAF), essentially revives the framework of a tender cancelled nearly a decade ago, but at a significantly higher cost to the taxpayer.
The deal, which is expected to be executed through an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), seeks to address the IAF’s critical shortage of fighter squadrons. However, critics argue that the decision represents a “U-turn” that brings India back to its 2007 starting point after years of delays and interim purchases. As noted in the source report, the new arrangement raises difficult questions about why the original, cheaper negotiations were scrapped in favor of a piecemeal approach that has ultimately led to a more expensive conclusion.
One of the central critiques highlighted by The Wire is the massive escalation in cost. The original Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, initiated in 2007 for 126 Military-Aircraft, was estimated to cost between $10 billion and $12 billion. In contrast, the current proposal for 114 jets is projected to cost between $30 billion and $35 billion (approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore).
While inflation and technological upgrades account for some of this increase, the report suggests the premium is disproportionately high. The publication questions the logic of scrapping the original tender, which was won by Airbus on the basis of being the lowest bidder, only to return to the same supplier years later with a price tag that has nearly tripled.
Proponents of the deal often cite the “India Specific Enhancements” (ISE) paid for during the 2016 emergency purchase of 36 Rafales as a justification for continuing with the same platform. Since India has already invested approximately €1.3 billion in these modifications, spreading that cost over a larger order of 114 jets theoretically lowers the development cost per unit. However, The Wire argues that this efficiency does not fully offset the sheer scale of the total expenditure, which they characterize as a heavy burden for “political bravado.”
The procurement saga began with the 2007 MMRCA tender, which was cancelled in 2015 by the current administration. At the time, the government cited the process as “unwieldy” and opted instead for a direct purchase of 36 fly-away jets to meet urgent operational needs. According to The Wire, reverting to a plan for 114 locally manufactured jets effectively admits that the original strategic logic was sound, despite the decade-long detour.
“The government is returning to the same aircraft nearly two decades later… resulting in a delay that has left the IAF with a critical shortage.”
, Summary of reporting by The Wire
Operational readiness remains a major concern. Dassault Aviation is currently managing a substantial backlog, with Orders from France, the UAE, Indonesia, and others totaling over 220 aircraft. With a production rate of roughly four jets per month, industry observers question whether the Manufacturers can deliver India’s 114 jets within a timeframe that arrests the IAF’s depleting squadron strength.
If the deal is finalized, deliveries could potentially stretch into the mid-2030s. By that time, the 4.5-generation Rafale may face obsolescence against 5th and 6th-generation platforms operated by regional adversaries.
A recurring point of contention in India’s defense procurement is the choice of domestic manufacturing partners. The original MMRCA deal stalled in part because Dassault refused to guarantee the quality of jets produced by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The new proposal involves a “Strategic Partner” model, likely favoring private sector entities.
The Wire notes that while Tata Advanced Systems has existing agreements for component manufacturing, the final assembly line is reportedly planned for a facility in Nagpur associated with the Reliance group. This revives controversies from the 2016 deal regarding the preference for private conglomerates over the experienced public sector unit, HAL, despite the private sector’s relative lack of aerospace integration experience.
While the critiques regarding cost and delay are substantial, the operational argument for the Rafale remains grounded in logistics. The IAF already operates the platform, meaning the infrastructure for training, maintenance, and weaponry is established. Introducing a new aircraft type, such as the Gripen or F-21, would require billions in parallel infrastructure investment.
However, the transparency of the “Make in India” component is critical. If the private sector partner struggles to absorb the technology transfer, a challenge HAL has navigated for decades, the timeline for these jets could slip further, exacerbating the very security gaps the deal is meant to close.
Why is the new deal so much more expensive than the 2007 tender? How many fighter squadrons does India currently have? Will the jets be built in India?
India’s Potential 114-Jet Rafale Deal Draws Scrutiny Over Cost and Strategy
Financial Implications: A Steep Price Hike
From $10 Billion to $35 Billion
The “Sunk Cost” Argument
Strategic Inconsistencies and Delays
The “U-Turn” on Procurement
Production and Delivery Timelines
Industrial Disputes: HAL vs. Private Sector
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The price increase is attributed to nearly 20 years of inflation, the inclusion of advanced weaponry (like Meteor and SCALP missiles), and upgrades to the latest F4/F5 standards. However, critics argue these factors do not fully justify a near-300% cost hike.
The Indian Air Force currently operates approximately 30 squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 required for a two-front war scenario.
The proposal outlines that 18 jets would be imported in “fly-away” condition, while the remaining 96 would be manufactured in India by a Strategic Partner, likely a private sector firm.
Sources
Photo Credit: IAF
Defense & Military
V2X Vertex Aerospace Workers in Fort Worth Join IAM Union
V2X Vertex Aerospace maintenance workers at Fort Worth Alliance Airport voted to join IAM District 776 despite delays from the 2025 government shutdown.
This article is based on an official press release from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and includes additional context from industry data.
In a significant labor victory within the defense sector, aircraft maintenance workers employed by V2X Vertex Aerospace at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW) have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). According to an announcement by the union, the workers will be represented by IAM District 776, a local lodge that also represents workforce segments at major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin.
The election, conducted via mail-in ballot, officially concluded on December 30, 2025. The unit consists of workers providing critical defense maintenance services on Military-Aircraft. This victory marks another step in the IAM’s strategic push to organize defense contractors in the southern United States, a region traditionally characterized by “Right-to-Work” laws.
The path to unionization for the V2X workers faced a unique hurdle: the historic 43-day federal government shutdown that occurred between October 1 and November 12, 2025. Because the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency responsible for overseeing union elections, was shuttered during this period, the election process was effectively frozen for over a month.
Union organizers highlighted the resilience of the workforce during this period of uncertainty. Despite the administrative delays caused by the shutdown, the workers maintained their solidarity.
“They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union. I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off. But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
, Keith “Chub” McCrory, IAM Associate Organizer
Juan Eldridge, the IAM Assistant Organizing Director, noted in the press release that organizing in the South requires “persistence and proof,” emphasizing that the union must consistently demonstrate the value of a contract in Right-to-Work environments.
While the official press release describes the unit generally as “defense maintenance services,” industry context suggests a specific operational focus. Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport is a known hub for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Aviation Operations Center. According to recruitment data and job postings associated with V2X at this location, the workforce likely supports the DEA’s fleet, which includes King Air series aircraft and various Helicopters (Bell 407/412, MD-500) used for counter-narcotics surveillance and tactical operations. The maintenance work performed is comprehensive, covering Organizational, Intermediate, and Depot (O, I, & D) level support.
V2X, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, was formed in 2022 through the Mergers of Vectrus and Vertex Aerospace. It has grown into a major player in the global defense services market. As of recent fiscal reporting, the company employs approximately 16,000 people globally with annual revenues hovering around $3.9 billion.
The company has recently secured substantial government contracts, including a $747 million award in August 2024 to maintain the U.S. Navy’s F-5 adversary fleet and a position on a $980 million Air Force contract in late 2025. This financial health and contract stability likely factored into the workers’ decision to seek a collective bargaining agreement to secure their share of the company’s success.
This election result underscores a growing trend of labor organization within the defense contractor supply chain, particularly in Texas. The ability of IAM District 776 to organize a smaller, specialized unit within a massive contractor like V2X demonstrates that labor unions are effectively targeting specific, high-value maintenance units rather than solely focusing on massive assembly lines.
Furthermore, the resilience of the vote despite the 2025 government shutdown suggests that federal contractor employees are becoming increasingly sensitive to the instability of government funding cycles. By unionizing, these workers may be seeking stronger protections and contract language that insulates them from the volatility of Washington politics.
What is V2X Vertex Aerospace? Which union did the workers join? How did the 2025 government shutdown affect the vote?
V2X Vertex Aerospace Workers in Fort Worth Vote to Join IAM Union
Overcoming the 2025 Government Shutdown
Operational Context: Supporting Critical Missions
About V2X Vertex Aerospace
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
V2X is a global defense and government services provider formed by the 2022 merger of Vectrus and Vertex Aerospace. They provide logistics, aerospace maintenance, and training services.
The workers voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), specifically District Lodge 776, based in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 43-day shutdown (Oct 1 – Nov 12, 2025) closed the NLRB, delaying the processing and counting of the mail-in ballots. The vote was finally concluded on December 30, 2025.Sources
Photo Credit: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers – IAM
Defense & Military
Sabena technics wins 10-year contract for Franco-German C-130J fleet support
Sabena technics secured a 10-year CAROLUS contract to provide maintenance and operational support for the Franco-German C-130J Super Hercules fleet.
This article is based on an official press release from Sabena technics and additional data regarding the Franco-German defense cooperation.
The French Air Force Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) has awarded a major 10-year contract to Sabena technics for the comprehensive support of the Franco-German C-130J Super Hercules fleet. Announced officially in January 2026, the contract, designated “CAROLUS”, marks a significant milestone in European defense integration, consolidating maintenance for a unique binational squadron under a single industrial provider.
According to the official press release from Sabena technics, the agreement covers the entire fleet of 10 aircraft operated by the Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS) stationed at Évreux-Fauville Air Base 105 in Normandy. The deal encompasses heavy maintenance, logistics, and on-site operational support, ensuring high availability for the critical tactical airlift capabilities shared by France and Germany.
This award reinforces Sabena technics’ standing in the military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. The company already supports the French Air-Forces‘s legacy C-130H fleet, and this new contract extends their responsibility to the modern J-model variant through 2036.
The CAROLUS contract (Combined Aircraft Repair and Operational Long-term Unified Support) represents a shift toward “verticalized” support contracts favored by the DMAé. Rather than splitting responsibilities among multiple vendors, Sabena technics will act as the prime contractor for a wide array of services designed to maximize fleet readiness.
Key elements of the contract include:
To execute this contract effectively, Sabena technics has solidified partnerships with key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce (engines), and Dowty (propellers). These agreements ensure access to proprietary technical data and certified parts, a critical factor for maintaining the advanced C-130J platform.
The contract supports the “Rhin/Rhein” squadron, a pioneering unit in European defense. Unlike traditional alliances where nations maintain separate logistics, BATS operates as a fully integrated unit with mixed French and German crews flying aircraft from both nations indiscriminately.
The fleet consists of 10 Lockheed Martin aircraft: The C-130J-30 provides extended fuselage cargo capacity, while the KC-130J variant adds aerial refueling capabilities for helicopters and fighter jets. This fleet fills a capability gap left by the retirement of the C-160 Transall, supporting special forces and humanitarian missions across the globe.
Hervé Grandjean, who was appointed CEO of Sabena technics effective January 1, 2025, highlighted the strategic importance of this win. In the company’s press statement, Grandjean emphasized the scale of the commitment.
This 10-year contract is one of the largest military contracts won by Sabena technics… [it] confirms its strategic position in supporting military transport fleets.
, Hervé Grandjean, CEO of Sabena technics
The award of the CAROLUS contract to a single provider for a binational fleet is a practical case study in European defense interoperability. Historically, cross-border military cooperation has been hampered by divergent supply chains and maintenance standards. By utilizing the French DMAé as the contracting authority for both nations, France and Germany have successfully streamlined the administrative and industrial burden.
For Sabena technics, this contract serves as a validation of the “Global Support” model. The move to place significant industrial resources directly on a military base (Évreux) mirrors trends seen in the commercial sector, where minimizing aircraft downtime is the primary metric of success. If successful, the BATS support model could serve as a blueprint for future European defense projects, such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
What is the duration of the CAROLUS contract? Where will the maintenance be performed? How many aircraft are included in the contract? Who are the key industrial partners?
Sabena technics Secured for 10-Year Support of Franco-German C-130J Fleet
The CAROLUS Contract: Scope and Specifications
Supporting the Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS)
Leadership Perspective
AirPro News Analysis
Consolidation of European Defense Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
The contract runs for 10 years, from 2026 to 2036.
Heavy maintenance will take place at Sabena technics’ Bordeaux-Mérignac facility, while operational support and logistics will be handled on-site at Évreux Air Base 105.
The contract covers 10 aircraft: 4 French and 6 German C-130J Super Hercules.
Sabena technics is the prime contractor, working in partnership with Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, and Dowty.Sources
Photo Credit: Sabena technics
Defense & Military
Trust Automation Wins $490M USAF Contract for Counter-Drone Systems
Trust Automation secures a $490 million USAF contract to develop and deliver counter-drone systems including SUADS and GAT jammer technologies through 2030.
This article is based on official contracts announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense and Trust Automation, Inc.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Trust Automation, Inc., a woman-owned small business based in San Luis Obispo, California, a significant $490 million Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. According to the Department of Defense announcement, the agreement focuses on the rapid research, development, and production of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), specifically designed to neutralize small to medium-sized drones threats.
The sole-source contract, issued by the Air-Forces Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Rome, New York, extends through August 20, 2030. It positions Trust Automation as a central partner in the military’s effort to defend bases and deployed personnel against the proliferation of Group 1 and Group 2 drones. As noted in the award details, approximately $20.3 million has been obligated immediately for the initial task order.
The agreement tasks Trust Automation with the prototyping, demonstration, and transition of advanced C-UAS capabilities. According to company product information and contract specifications, the work centers on two primary technologies: the Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) and the GAT UAS Jammer.
Trust Automation describes SUADS as a layered, modular defense architecture. It is configurable for both fixed-site defense, such as protecting airfields, and rapid deployment in mobile combat units. The system targets Group 1 (hand-launched, under 20 lbs) and Group 2 (21–55 lbs) unmanned aerial systems.
Technical data indicates the system likely employs Radio Frequency (RF) detection and electronic warfare jamming to sever the connection between a drone and its operator. The design is described as “government collaborated,” suggesting it was developed in close partnership with Air Force laboratories to ensure seamless integration into existing command-and-control networks.
The contract also encompasses the GAT UAS Jammer, a tactical electronic warfare device designed for individual soldiers. According to technical specifications, the device is compact (6″ x 3.2″), weighs less than one pound, and mounts to standard NATO accessory rails on a rifle.
The GAT system provides immediate “point defense” capabilities by jamming command and control signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands. Additionally, it disrupts Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, forcing hostile drones to hover, land, or return to their launch point. The system is powered by standard CR123 batteries and is effective beyond the operator’s line of sight. The Strategic Value of Sole-Source Acquisition Addressing the Asymmetric Threat Market Positioning Sources: U.S. Department of Defense, Trust Automation, Inc., Defence Industry Europe
Trust Automation Secures $490 Million USAF Contract for Counter-Drone Systems
Contract Scope and Technical Specifications
Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS)
GAT (Ghoul-Tool Attachable Transmitter) Jammer
AirPro News Analysis
The designation of this award as a “sole source” contract is significant. In federal procurement, this typically indicates that the vendor possesses unique proprietary technology or is scaling a solution previously validated under programs like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. By bypassing a lengthy open bidding process, the Air Force signals an urgent need to field these specific capabilities immediately.
This contract directly addresses the “base defense gap” highlighted by recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Cheap commercial drones, costing as little as $500, have proven capable of destroying multi-million dollar assets. The Air Force’s investment in Trust Automation’s electronic warfare solutions, rather than purely kinetic interceptors, reflects a shift toward cost-effective, low-collateral countermeasures suitable for populated areas or forward operating bases.
While the C-UAS market includes major competitors like Anduril Industries and RTX (Raytheon), Trust Automation has carved out a specific niche in RF-based neutralization. Unlike kinetic systems that physically destroy drones and create debris hazards, the electronic warfare approach offered by SUADS and GAT allows for “silent” neutralization, a critical capability for defending sensitive infrastructure.
Sources
Photo Credit: Trust Automation
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