India Clears ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Plan to Buy 114 Rafale Fighter Jets, Deal Clears Major Hurdle
The Defence Acquisition Council has approved a key proposal for 114 Rafale jets, moving India closer to finalising its biggest-ever fighter aircraft purchase.
India has taken a major step toward buying 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the proposal, officials said. This approval allows the government to move ahead with the next stage of the process.
The deal is estimated to be worth around ₹3.25 lakh crore, making it one of India’s largest military purchases.
What Has Been Approved
The DAC, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Rafale purchase. This is an important procedural clearance. It allows the Defence Ministry to begin detailed negotiations on price, delivery timeline and production terms.
Under the plan:
- Some jets will be bought directly from France.
- Most of the aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative.
This move is aimed at strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Why India Needs More Rafales
The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 36 Rafale jets, which were delivered under a previous deal with France. These jets are deployed at key air bases and play a critical role in India’s air defence.
However, the IAF has been facing a shortage of fighter squadrons. The addition of 114 jets will:
- Boost combat strength
- Improve air dominance
- Enhance long-range strike capability
- Strengthen India’s overall deterrence
Officials say the new aircraft will help bridge critical operational gaps.
Strategic Significance
The clearance comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, highlighting the strong defence ties between the two countries.
India and France have built a long-term strategic partnership, especially in the defence sector. The Rafale deal is seen as a key pillar of that relationship.
What Happens Next
Although the proposal has been cleared, the deal is not yet final.
The next steps include:
- Detailed price negotiations
- Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval
- Signing of the final government-to-government agreement
Once the contract is signed, deliveries will begin in phases.
