India Clears Plan to Acquire 114 Rafale Fighter Jets Strengthening Air Power

• India approves plan to buy 114 Rafale jets.
• Defence ministry clears Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal.
• Majority of Rafale jets to be made in India.

India has taken a major step to strengthen its air power with the defence ministry approving a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. The move is seen as a significant boost to the Indian Air Force at a time of heightened regional security concerns.

Sources said the clearance was granted by the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The proposal involves a deal estimated at Rs 3.25 lakh crore, making it one of the largest defence purchases in recent years.

The approval comes ahead of the expected visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India, adding diplomatic significance to the decision. Final clearance is still required from the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As per the proposal, India will procure 18 Rafale fighter jets in ready to use condition directly from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation. These aircraft will be delivered off the shelf to meet immediate operational requirements of the Air Force.

The remaining 96 Rafale jets will be manufactured in India, marking a major push for indigenous defence production. Some of these aircraft will be configured as twin seat variants for training purposes. The agreement is also expected to include transfer of advanced technology, strengthening India aerospace ecosystem.

Defence officials say the India France partnership under this deal will further reinforce the Make in India initiative while significantly enhancing combat capability and preparedness of the Indian Air Force. The acquisition is expected to act as a strong deterrent and elevate India strategic position in the region.