In a major step toward strengthening its military capabilities, India has approved the procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets and six P-8I Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft, in a deal estimated at ₹3.25 lakh crore. The decision was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during a high-level meeting held on Thursday.

The proposal will now move to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for final approval before the contract is formally signed.

Largest-Ever Defence Procurement

If cleared by the CCS, the Rafale acquisition will become India’s largest defence procurement to date. Of the 114 aircraft, 18 will be delivered in fly-away condition, while 96 will be manufactured in India, marking a significant push for domestic production and technology transfer.

The contract is expected to be awarded to French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, reinforcing the long-standing defence partnership between India and France.

Addressing IAF Squadron Shortage

The Indian Air Force currently operates 29 fighter squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. The induction of new Rafale jets is expected to raise the number to around 35–36 squadrons, helping replace ageing aircraft such as the MiG-21 and other retiring platforms.

Rafale aircraft are multi-role fighters capable of air-to-air combat, precision ground strikes, maritime missions, reconnaissance, and nuclear delivery roles. Equipped with advanced systems like Meteor air-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and Spectra electronic warfare suites, they significantly enhance operational readiness.

India previously signed a deal for 36 Rafale jets in 2016, delivered by 2022 and currently deployed at Ambala and Hashimara airbases.

Boost to ‘Make in India’ and Defence Manufacturing

A key highlight of the new agreement is local manufacturing. Producing 96 aircraft in India is expected to create thousands of jobs, deepen aerospace expertise, and support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Earlier industrial partnerships, including those involving Tata Advanced Systems, have laid the groundwork for expanded domestic production.

Six P-8I Aircraft to Strengthen Naval Surveillance

Alongside the Rafale approval, the DAC also cleared the purchase of six additional P-8I Poseidon aircraft, manufactured by Boeing. These aircraft will increase India’s fleet from 12 to 18, strengthening maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The P-8I plays a critical role in monitoring the Indian Ocean Region, detecting submarines and hostile vessels, and enhancing maritime security amid expanding naval activity in the region.

Strategic and Economic Significance

Officials said the twin procurements will:

• Bridge critical capability gaps in the Air Force

• Enhance deterrence and rapid-response capability

• Strengthen maritime domain awareness

• Promote indigenous defence manufacturing through technology transfer

• Deepen India’s strategic partnerships with key global allies

The DAC also reviewed proposals related to high-altitude pseudo-satellites, indigenous anti-tank systems, and broader defence collaborations with the United States, France, and Russia.

Timing Ahead of Key Diplomatic Engagement

The approval comes just ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India for the upcoming AI Summit in New Delhi (February 15–17), where defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently in bilateral discussions.

What Happens Next

Following DAC clearance, the process will move to CCS approval, after which:

• Contract negotiations will be finalised

• Initial aircraft will be delivered directly

• Domestic manufacturing will begin

• Full delivery is expected over the next 5–7 years

A Major Leap in Defence Modernisation

The procurement marks a defining moment in India’s defence modernisation drive—balancing urgent operational requirements with long-term goals of self-reliance, industrial growth, and technological advancement.

Also Read | Budget 2026–27: Defence outlay raised to ₹7.8 lakh crore; infra, urban transport get fresh push

With these acquisitions, India aims to move closer to building a future-ready, globally competitive military force while strengthening its domestic defence ecosystem.

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