DAC Clears ₹3.6 Lakh Cr Rafale Jets Deal for IAF

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved defence procurement proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, including the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation, in a major step toward strengthening India’s military capabilities.

For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) covers Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), advanced combat missiles, and Air-Ships Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (AS-HAPS). A significant portion of the fighter jets is expected to be manufactured domestically, supporting indigenous defence production.

The MRFA induction is aimed at enhancing air dominance across varied combat scenarios while reinforcing long-range strike capability and overall deterrence. Meanwhile, the combat missiles are intended to improve stand-off attack strength with deeper reach and higher precision. The AS-HAPS platforms will support continuous intelligence gathering, surveillance, electronic monitoring, telecommunications, and remote sensing for military operations.

The clearance comes days before French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India, underscoring growing defence cooperation between the two nations.

The decision is particularly significant as the IAF’s fighter squadron strength has dropped to 29, well below the sanctioned level of 42. With the MiG-21 retired and several older aircraft such as early MiG-29 variants, Jaguars, and Mirage 2000 approaching the end of their service life, the new acquisition is expected to address capability gaps.

The DAC also cleared proposals for the Indian Army, including the procurement of Vibhav anti-tank mines designed to slow enemy mechanised advances, and the overhaul of armoured recovery vehicles, T-72 tanks, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles to extend operational life and readiness.

For the Indian Navy, approvals include a 4 MW marine gas turbine-based electric power generator under the Make-I category to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturers and strengthen self-reliance. Additionally, the procurement of P8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft is set to enhance anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and maritime strike capabilities.