India Clears Mega Defence Deal: 114 More Rafale Jets Approved, Most to Be Made at Home

New Delhi | 12 Feb 2026 India has taken a major step to strengthen its defence preparedness as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, including the purchase of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. The Defence Ministry said most of these Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) will be manufactured in India, giving a strong push to domestic defence production and self-reliance. For the Indian Air Force, the council approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Rafale jets, advanced combat missiles and Air-Ship Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (AS-HAPS) systems. Explaining the importance of the fighter jets, the ministry said, “The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long range offensive strikes.” The ministry added that the new combat missiles will improve India’s deep-strike capabilities with high precision. “The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy,” it said. On the AS-HAPS system, the statement noted that it will be used for “persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and remote sensing for military purposes.” The approval comes just few days before French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India, giving the decision added strategic significance. The clearance is crucial as the Indian Air Force’s squadron strength has dropped to 29, well below the sanctioned strength of 42. With the retirement of MiG-21 jets and several older aircraft like early MiG-29s, Jaguars and Mirage 2000 nearing the end of their service life, the Rafale deal is expected to fill critical gaps in air power. Along with the Air Force, the DAC also cleared key proposals for the Army and Navy. The Army will procure Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and undertake the overhaul of Armoured Recovery Vehicles, T-72 tanks and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles. “Vibhav mines will be laid as anti-tank obstacle system to delay the advance of enemy mechanized forces,” the ministry said. For the Navy, approvals include a 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator and additional P8I maritime patrol aircraft. According to the ministry, “The acquisition of P8I aircraft will significantly boost the Navy’s combat/war-fighting capability of long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capability.” Big Boost to India’s Defence Power: 114 More Rafale Jets Get Green Signal India has approved a massive defence purchase as the Defence Acquisition Council cleared proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, including 114 additional Rafale fighter jets. The Defence Ministry said most of these jets will be made in India, marking a strong push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthening the Indian Air Force at a crucial time. The approval covers Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (Rafale), advanced combat missiles and Air-Ship Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite systems. Explaining the impact of the fighter jet deal, the ministry said, “The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long range offensive strikes.” The ministry further said the new weapons systems will improve India’s strike power and surveillance abilities. “The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy,” it said, adding that AS-HAPS systems will be used for “persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and remote sensing for military purposes.” The timing of the approval is also significant as it comes just days before French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India. The decision is important for the Indian Air Force, whose squadron strength has fallen to 29, far below the approved level of 42. With older aircraft like MiG-21s retired and others nearing the end of service, the new Rafale jets are expected to fill a critical gap. Along with the Air Force, the Army and Navy will also benefit, with approvals for anti-tank mines, upgrades of tanks and combat vehicles, and new naval power and surveillance systems to improve overall defence readiness.