India moves ahead with mega 114 Rafale fighter jet purchase with Rajnath Singh-led DAC clearing the Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted initial approval for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft. The proposed programme, valued at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore, is expected to rank among the most expensive defence acquisitions ever undertaken by the country.
The clearance comes shortly before French President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to India beginning February 17, a trip during which defence collaboration is likely to feature prominently in strategic discussions between the two nations. However, the acquisition cannot proceed to contract stage until it receives final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The proposal outlines a manufacturing model centred on technology transfer from Dassault Aviation, the original equipment manufacturer. Production in India is expected to deepen domestic aerospace capabilities while aligning with the government’s long-term objective of defence self-reliance.
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The project has already crossed an important procedural milestone after receiving approval from the Defence Acquisition Board last month. Following the DAC’s Acceptance of Necessity, the programme will now enter detailed cost negotiations before being placed before the CCS for final sanction.
Officials familiar with the structure of the proposal indicate that the agreement is expected to incorporate indigenous weapon systems, ammunition, and radar technologies, thereby improving mission flexibility for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Under the current framework, 18 aircraft are likely to be delivered in fly-away condition, while the remaining fighters will be manufactured in India with indigenous content projected to reach up to 60 per cent. Overall, roughly 80 per cent of the fleet is expected to be built domestically.
Dassault Aviation is also expected to integrate Indian weapons, missiles, and ammunition across the entire fleet, alongside secure data links designed to digitally connect the aircraft with Indian radar networks and sensor grids. Final assembly is anticipated to take place at a production line proposed to be established in Nagpur.
The procurement assumes particular importance as the Indian Air Force continues to grapple with a widening squadron deficit. The force currently operates 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, making fleet expansion a strategic priority.
At present, the IAF operates 36 Rafale jets inducted under an earlier government-to-government agreement, while the Indian Navy has placed orders for 26 carrier-capable variants. A dedicated Rafale training as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul facility is already functional at the Air Force base in Ambala.
If the latest proposal progresses to completion, the combined Rafale inventory across India’s armed forces could rise to 176 aircraft, significantly reinforcing the country’s frontline combat strength.
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