ISLAMABAD: India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted preliminary approval for defence procurements valued at approximately 3.6 trillion rupees, equivalent to around 39 billion dollars, marking one of the largest military modernization initiatives in recent years. The decision, taken during a meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, focuses primarily on acquiring 114 additional Rafale multi-role fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation to bolster the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities amid regional security challenges.
This clearance, known as Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), represents the initial step in the procurement process, paving the way for detailed negotiations and contract finalization.The mega package includes not only the Rafale jets but also additional Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy, combat missiles, Scalp missiles, and advanced Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) systems. Official sources indicate that the procurement aims to address critical gaps in air superiority, long-range strike capabilities, and maritime surveillance. The Indian Air Force currently operates around 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, making this acquisition essential for maintaining operational readiness and deterrence posture across potential conflict scenarios.
Reports from credible outlets highlight that the Rafale proposal alone is valued at roughly 3.25 trillion rupees or about 39 billion dollars, with plans for significant indigenous manufacturing. Of the 114 jets, a substantial portion—potentially 90—will be produced domestically with close to 50 per cent indigenous content, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This approach is expected to boost local industry, create jobs, and transfer technology from Dassault Aviation, building on the earlier acquisition of 36 Rafale jets delivered starting in 2020.The decision revives a long-pending proposal that dates back over a decade, when India first sought 114 medium multi-role combat aircraft under the MMRCA tender. Although a similar deal was nearly finalized around 13 years ago, it faced delays due to procedural complexities and cost negotiations.
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The current inter-governmental framework is anticipated to expedite the process, with payments spread across multiple financial years to manage fiscal implications. This move comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India, underscoring strengthened bilateral defence ties between New Delhi and Paris.Beyond the air force, the approvals extend resources to the army and navy as well. The inclusion of additional P-8I aircraft—six more units—will enhance the navy’s anti-submarine warfare and maritime reconnaissance abilities, crucial for securing India’s extensive coastline and interests in the Indian Ocean region. Combat missiles and other systems will further augment ground and aerial strike precision, while the HAPS platform promises persistent high-altitude surveillance for intelligence gathering and border monitoring.The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these procurements are designed to augment aerial strength, improve surveillance networks, and strengthen overall force capabilities.
The Indian Coast Guard is also set to benefit from enhanced resources, contributing to a comprehensive upgrade across all branches of the armed forces. Analysts view this as a strategic response to evolving geopolitical dynamics, including tensions along borders and increasing maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific.This landmark clearance underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its military hardware while prioritizing domestic manufacturing and technological absorption. The total outlay, spread over several years, reflects a balanced approach to fiscal planning and defence preparedness.
Once finalized, India is poised to become the largest international operator of the Rafale platform, significantly elevating its air combat prowess and deterrence credibility in the region.The development has drawn attention for its scale and implications for regional power balance. With payments phased and indigenous production emphasized, the initiative is expected to provide a major impetus to India’s defence industrial base. As negotiations proceed, focus will shift to finalizing technical specifications, pricing, and delivery timelines to ensure timely induction into service.
