New Delhi: In one of the largest defence procurements in India’s history, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets along with advanced combat missiles and key naval and army platforms. The total value of the proposals stands at an estimated ₹3.6 lakh crore.
Major Boost to Indian Air Force
The approval clears the path for the long-pending Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, aimed at addressing the Indian Air Force’s declining squadron strength. Currently operating around 30 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, the IAF faces growing strategic pressure from both western and northern borders.
The induction of 114 Rafale jets is expected to significantly enhance India’s air superiority capabilities. Most of the aircraft are likely to be manufactured in India, aligning with the government’s push for self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The deal now moves to higher-level approvals, followed by detailed technical and commercial negotiations. The finalisation is expected to gain momentum during French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
Advanced Missiles and ISR Capabilities
The package also includes procurement of advanced long-range combat missiles, strengthening the IAF’s stand-off strike capabilities. Weapons such as Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and SCALP cruise missiles have already demonstrated effectiveness in operational scenarios.
Additionally, the DAC cleared the acquisition of Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) systems. These platforms will support sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, electronic intelligence gathering, secure communications and remote sensing operations.
Defence experts believe such capabilities will play a decisive role in future network-centric warfare environments.
Indian Army Modernisation
For the Army, AoN has been granted for Vibhav anti-tank mines and the overhaul of key armoured platforms including Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks and BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles.
The Vibhav anti-tank mines are intended to slow or restrict enemy mechanised formations in battlefield scenarios. Meanwhile, upgrading legacy armoured platforms will extend their service life and improve operational readiness.
Navy and Coast Guard Strengthening
The Indian Navy has received approval for a 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. The move is expected to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance indigenous defence manufacturing.
The Navy will also procure additional P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, bolstering anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capabilities.
For the Indian Coast Guard, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) systems will be installed on Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime domain awareness and surveillance operations.
Strategic Context and Future Outlook
The approval comes amid evolving regional security dynamics and increasing military coordination among neighbouring countries. Analysts note that the Rafale, a 4.5-generation fighter aircraft, bridges the capability gap until India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational.
At the same time, delays in engine supplies for the Tejas Mk-1A programme have made the MRFA acquisition even more critical for maintaining squadron strength.
With this ₹3.6 lakh crore clearance, India signals its commitment to strengthening national security while advancing domestic defence production. Further updates are expected as negotiations progress through the Ministry of Defence.
