New Delhi: India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday granted initial approval for defense procurements worth approximately 3.6 trillion rupees ($40 billion).
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The package includes more Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation, Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft, and various missiles, marking one of the country’s largest-ever military upgrades.
Focus on Rafale Acquisition
Local media reports, cited in the defense ministry statement, indicate the DAC cleared the purchase of 114 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force at an estimated 3.25 trillion rupees.
Of these, 18 would be delivered in fly-away condition from Dassault, while the remaining 96 are planned for domestic manufacturing. This aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, involving technology transfer and strategic partnership.
Modernization Amid Regional Tensions
The approvals address the Indian Air Force’s shrinking squadron strength, now at 29 against a sanctioned 42, due to retirements of aging MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Mirage 2000 fleets. The move boosts air dominance, long-range strike capabilities, and deterrence amid heightened border tensions with neighbors.
The package also covers anti-tank missiles for the army and P-8I aircraft for the navy. It follows India’s earlier April deal for 26 Rafale-Marine variants for carrier operations.
The decision comes days before French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, signaling strengthened defense ties with France. Commercial and technical negotiations are expected to advance soon, paving the way for a formal contract.
This procurement underscores India’s push to modernize forces through a mix of imports and indigenous production while reducing reliance on single suppliers.