New Delhi, February 13 - India has taken a major step to strengthen its air defense capabilities by approving the procurement of 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for this landmark deal on February 12, 2026, valued at approximately $39 billion (around ₹3.25 lakh crore). This acquisition, one of the largest in India's defense history, aims to modernize the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet amid an ageing inventory and evolving regional security challenges. The proposal includes 18 jets in fly-away condition, with the majority, around 90 to 96, set for manufacturing in India through collaboration with local partners, incorporating significant indigenous content to boost domestic aerospace industry growth.
The Rafale jets, renowned for their advanced avionics, superior maneuverability, and multi-role versatility in air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions, will substantially enhance the IAF's operational readiness. India already operates 36 Rafale aircraft acquired earlier, which have proven effective in high-altitude operations and precision strikes. This new batch will expand the fleet significantly, addressing squadron shortages and providing long-range offensive capabilities across diverse conflict scenarios. The deal aligns with India's strategic push for self-reliance in defense under the "Make in India" initiative, fostering technology transfer and joint production.
The timing of the approval is noteworthy, coming just days before French President Emmanuel Macron's scheduled three-day official visit to India from February 17 to 19, 2026. During the visit, leaders from both nations are expected to discuss deepening bilateral defense cooperation, potentially advancing negotiations toward finalizing commercial and technical details. This development underscores the robust strategic partnership between India and France, built on shared interests in Indo-Pacific security and mutual trust in high-end military technology.
Overall, the $39 billion Rafale purchase represents a pivotal investment in India's military modernization. By integrating more of these cutting-edge fighters, the IAF will gain enhanced deterrence and combat effectiveness, while the agreement promises economic benefits through localized manufacturing and job creation in the defense sector. As negotiations progress, this deal is poised to become a cornerstone of India-France defense ties.
