France to respond on 114 Rafale deal by mid-August

France is expected to submit its official response to India's Letter of Request for 114 Rafale fighter jets by mid-August, defence officials said. The deal would see 94 jets manufactured in India by Dassault Aviation in partnership with an Indian company. The aircraft are critical for the Indian Air Force as its squadron strength dwindles. India already has orders for 62 Rafales, and the new order would raise the total to 176.