India Clears Major Defence Boost with Approval for 114 Rafale Jets, P-8I Aircraft, and Strategic Military Upgrades
In a significant step toward strengthening India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved a series of high-value procurement proposals worth an estimated ₹3.60 lakh crore.
Among the most prominent decisions was the long-awaited clearance to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) through an intergovernmental agreement with France.
The approval comes just days ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India from February 17 to 19, underscoring the strategic importance of the deal in strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
Rafale Deal: Boost to Air Power and Domestic Manufacturing
Under the proposed arrangement, 90 of the 114 Rafale jets are expected to be manufactured in India, marking a major push toward defence indigenisation.
Officials indicated that the indigenous content in these domestically produced aircraft is likely to reach nearly 50%, a substantial increase from earlier discussions of around 30%.
India will also retain full autonomy to integrate its own weapons systems and technologies into the aircraft.
A final agreement, however, will be signed only after commercial negotiations conclude and the Cabinet Committee on Security grants its approval.
The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets, while the Indian Navy is set to induct 26 Rafale-M variants for carrier operations in the coming years.
The additional procurement is expected to reduce logistical and training costs while addressing the Air Force’s critical shortage of fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 29 against an authorised strength of 42.
These advanced aircraft are viewed as essential for maintaining operational readiness until indigenous fighter programmes—such as the LCA Mk1A, LCA Mk2, and the fifth-generation
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—become fully operational. The AMCA is projected to enter service only after 2035, prompting consideration of interim fifth-generation fighter acquisitions.
Strategic Enhancements Across Services
In addition to the Rafale deal, the DAC approved the purchase of six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the United States for the Indian Navy.
Unlike many defence deals, this procurement will be a direct global purchase without offsets or technology transfer obligations.
The Boeing-manufactured P-8I aircraft are critical for long-range maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance operations.
Their addition is expected to significantly strengthen India’s maritime security and strike capabilities.
The council also cleared proposals for the acquisition of advanced combat missiles and Air-Ship Based High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (AS-HAPS), which will enhance long-range precision strike capability and provide persistent surveillance and communication support.
Focus on Self-Reliance and Modernisation
Further approvals were granted to support indigenous defence manufacturing and modernisation.
For the Navy, clearance was given for the procurement of a 4-megawatt marine gas turbine-based electric power generator under the “Make-I” category, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
For the Army, approvals included procurement of Vibhav anti-tank mines and the overhaul of key vehicle platforms such as Armoured Recovery Vehicles, T-72 tanks, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles.
These upgrades are intended to extend equipment service life and improve operational readiness.
The Indian Coast Guard also received approval to acquire advanced electro-optical and infrared systems for Dornier aircraft, which will enhance maritime surveillance capabilities.
Part of a Broader Procurement Process
The Defence Acquisition Council serves as the apex body for approving major defence purchases and granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the first step in the procurement process.
While AoN approvals signal intent, they do not guarantee final contracts, which depend on further negotiations and government clearances.
Collectively, the latest approvals reflect India’s dual focus on strengthening military preparedness while advancing self-reliance in defence production.
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