The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a critical decision regarding the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, drawing comparisons to the delayed Mirage-2000 upgrade that has become a cautionary tale. Analysts caution that repeating past mistakes could hinder modernization efforts, as timelines suggest integration with advanced indigenous platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) may render the Rafale strategically inferior upon arrival. Concerns over sovereignty, weapon integration, and potential delays with French suppliers highlight the risks involved. To avoid a legacy fleet dependent on foreign permissions, experts advocate for stringent guarantees, including full source code transfer and unrestricted weapon integration, emphasizing the need for a robust commitment to indigenous defense capabilities.