New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets to significantly strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF). The decision was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Estimated at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore, the deal is set to become one of the largest defence acquisitions in India’s history. The agreement will be formally signed after receiving approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister.
Under the proposed arrangement, 18 Rafale aircraft equipped with advanced SCALP cruise missiles will be acquired in fly-away condition. The remaining aircraft are planned to be manufactured in India, with participation from domestic private sector companies, giving a major boost to indigenous defence production.
In addition to the Rafale deal, the Defence Ministry has approved the purchase of six more Boeing P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy. The IAF currently operates 28 fighter squadrons, falling short of the authorised strength of 42 squadrons. Each squadron comprises about 18 fighter jets. To meet the sanctioned requirement of 756 fighter aircraft, the Air Force needs 14 additional squadrons. The induction of 114 Rafale jets is aimed at bridging this critical gap.
At present, the IAF operates 36 Rafale aircraft. Separately, an order for 26 Rafale-M jets has already been placed for the Indian Navy. The Rafale fleet has participated in key operations, including ‘Operation Sindoor’. Other frontline fighter aircraft currently in service with the IAF include the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas, Jaguar and Mirage 2000.
Make in India Boost: 90 Rafales to be made in India
According to senior government officials, out of the 114 aircraft to be procured under the intergovernmental agreement with France, 90 will be manufactured in India. The decision comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India from February 17 to 19, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Of the 114 aircraft, about 50 per cent of the components in those manufactured in India will be indigenous. This localisation level was initially fixed at 30 per cent but was later increased to enhance domestic capability. India will also have full authority to integrate indigenously developed weapons and other systems onto the Rafale platform, further strengthening self-reliance in defence.
The six additional Boeing P-8I aircraft, used for maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, will be procured directly from the United States. These aircraft are expected to significantly enhance India’s maritime surveillance capabilities. The decision is also viewed as supporting the ongoing progress in trade negotiations between India and the United States. The final signing of the Rafale deal will take place after the conclusion of trade discussions and formal approval by the CCS. While the IAF currently operates 36 Rafales, the procurement of 114 additional jets, along with the Navy’s 26 Rafale-M aircraft, is expected to substantially enhance India’s air and maritime combat capabilities in the coming years.
