New Delhi, Feb 12: In a landmark move, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a massive Rs 3.25 lakh crore procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Indian Air Force, along with missile systems.
The government-to-government deal emphasizes ‘Make in India’, with most jets manufactured locally (up to 60% indigenous content via Dassault Aviation partnering an Indian firm), plus 12-18 flyaway jets. It includes integration of Indian weapons and systems.
Clearance follows Defence Procurement Board nod last month; next up: Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) final approval, potentially during French President Macron’s Feb 17-19 visit. This boosts IAF squadrons amid depleting strength (down to 29).
The procurement replaces the stalled MRFA tender, deepening India-France ties after prior Rafale buys (36 for IAF, 26 Rafale-M for Navy).
