₹3.6 Lakh Crore Defence Boost: Government Clears 114 Rafale Jets Deal

New Delhi: The Union government has approved a massive defence procurement proposal worth nearly ₹3.6 lakh crore, clearing the way for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft along with advanced missile systems and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The move marks one of the largest military modernisation initiatives undertaken in recent years.

The procurement addresses the Air Force’s long pending requirement to restore fighter squadron strength, which has fallen below the sanctioned level. The induction of 114 multi role fighter aircraft aims to bridge operational gaps, enhance combat readiness and reinforce deterrence capability amid evolving regional security challenges.

Officials indicated that the proposal builds upon the earlier induction of 36 Rafale jets acquired through an intergovernmental agreement with France. The new batch is expected to significantly augment India’s air superiority and deep strike capabilities.

According to defence sources, the procurement will proceed under the strategic partnership model, encouraging participation from Indian defence manufacturers. The deal is likely to incorporate technology transfer provisions and domestic manufacturing components in line with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The emphasis will be on local production, maintenance infrastructure and lifecycle support systems to reduce long term dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen India’s defence industrial base.

The Rafale aircraft is manufactured by Dassault Aviation. It is a twin engine, multirole fighter capable of executing air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance and nuclear deterrence missions. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems and beyond visual range missile capabilities.

Defence analysts note that the proposal also includes acquisition of advanced missile systems and weapons packages. These are expected to comprise air to air missiles, precision guided munitions and other force multipliers designed to enhance survivability and strike accuracy in contested airspace.

The overall cost estimate includes not just the aircraft but also weapons, training, infrastructure development and long term maintenance support.

The clearance comes amid ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control with China and continued security concerns on the western front. The Air Force has consistently highlighted the need to maintain adequate squadron strength to manage a potential two front scenario.

Government officials described the approval as a strategic investment in national security that will also create employment opportunities and boost India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem if production is localised.

Opposition parties are expected to closely examine financial and contractual aspects once formal tender documents are issued. The earlier Rafale deal had generated intense political debate, and experts suggest that transparency and procedural clarity will be critical in this larger procurement.

The next phase will involve issuance of a formal Request for Proposal, technical and commercial bid evaluations and detailed negotiations before final contract signing. Given the scale of the project, defence experts estimate that full induction of all 114 aircraft could take several years from contract execution to delivery.

The approval signals India’s continued focus on military preparedness and air power modernisation in an increasingly complex strategic environment.