New Delhi: In a massive boost to India’s military modernisation drive, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cleared proposals worth around Rs 3.6 lakh crore, including the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets and six additional P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.

The approval, granted under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) route, marks one of the largest defence clearances in recent years and is aimed at plugging critical capability gaps in the armed forces.

The Indian Air Force is set to acquire 114 Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft from France’s Dassault Aviation to address its declining squadron strength, which is currently well below the sanctioned level. While a portion of the jets will be procured in fly-away condition to meet urgent operational requirements, a significant number are expected to be manufactured in India with substantial indigenous content, giving a push to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
India currently operates 36 Rafale jets inducted under an earlier deal.

The new acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s combat capability, especially amid evolving security challenges along both western and northern fronts.

The DAC also cleared the procurement of six more P-8I long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy. The aircraft will strengthen surveillance and submarine-hunting capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, a zone of increasing strategic competition.

Apart from these big-ticket platforms, the council approved proposals for missiles, surveillance systems and other equipment for the Army, Navy and Coast Guard.

The proposals will now move to the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval before contract negotiations begin. If concluded, the deal will mark a major milestone in India’s efforts to bolster air and maritime dominance.

BI Bureau