(Image source from: Ndtv.com)
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) gave the green light on Thursday for the Indian Air Force to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets, six P-8I maritime patrol planes for the Navy, and combat missiles. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the council's meeting. This approval arrives as the Air Force's squadron numbers have dropped to 29, well below the allowed total of 42 — marking the lowest figures in many years. The proposal, worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore, was approved by the DAC before French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit. After receiving the go-ahead from the Defence Procurement Board last month, the plan now awaits final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to proceed with the purchasing process. Once finalized, the Indian Air Force will have about 150 Rafale jets, while the Navy will receive 26 Rafale aircraft suitable for carriers.
The proposal also covers the purchase of an Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS), anti-tank mines (Vibhav), and upgrades for Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks, and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II). For the Indian Navy, the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been approved for a 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) received AoN approval for the purchase of an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft. The first batch of five Rafale jets joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2020, and since then, these French jets have become essential for India's air defense and border security. In Operation Sindoor last year, Rafale jets were particularly significant. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Vice Chief of Air Staff, pointed out their effectiveness, saying, “Rafale was definitely the hero during Operation Sindoor. "
The Boeing P-8I Poseidon, which is used for long-distance maritime monitoring and anti-submarine missions, is crucial for defending India's interests in the Indian Ocean. The Navy currently has a group of 12 P-8I planes, which have flown over 40,000 hours without accidents. These aircraft are fundamental to the Navy's aerial surveillance and are vital in providing a strong “eye in the sky" capability. In the Union Budget 2026–27, the Ministry of Defence received Rs 7.8 lakh crore — its largest budget ever — which makes up 14.67% of the total federal budget, the highest among all ministries. Out of the total defense budget, 27.95% is set for capital spending, 20.17% for ongoing expenses to maintain readiness, 26.40% for salaries and allowances, 21.84% for defense pensions, and 3.64% for civil organizations.
From the Rs 2.19 lakh crore allocated for modernization, Rs 1.85 lakh crore is specifically for capital purchases, representing roughly a 24% increase compared to the fiscal year 2025–26. In addition to the Rafale fighter jet program, the Defence Ministry has numerous significant procurement plans in progress, which include agreements for advanced weapon systems, naval vessels, and submarines.
