In a major boost to India’s air power, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday cleared a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation in a deal valued at ₹3.25 lakh crore. 

The clearance, granted ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit later this month, marks one of the largest fighter aircraft acquisition programmes in India’s history. The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the multi-billion-dollar procurement, according to reports. 

The Defence Procurement Board, headed by the Defence Secretary, had already approved the proposal last month, paving the way for formal negotiations with Dassault Aviation to move closer to conclusion. 

Significant squadron shortfall in Indian Air Force’s fleet 

The proposed acquisition comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with a significant squadron shortfall. The force is currently operating around 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, amid heightened security concerns along both the western and northern borders. 

Under the plan, 18 aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition while the remaining 96 jets will be assembled in India. About 80% of the aircraft are projected to be manufactured domestically, with indigenous content likely to touch 60% under the government’s Make in India initiative. 

The IAF is expected to induct 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat variants under the programme.  

Dassault Aviation is likely to partner with Indian private sector companies for local manufacturing, assembly and long-term maintenance support, strengthening India’s defence industrial base. 

Ambala and Hasimara anchor Rafale deployment 

India had earlier signed a deal for 36 Rafale jets in 2016. The first five aircraft arrived at Air Force Station Ambala in July 2020 and were later formally inducted. At present, the IAF operates two Rafale squadrons — No. 17 “Golden Arrows” based in Ambala, Haryana, and No. 101 “Falcons” stationed at Hasimara in West Bengal. The Hasimara squadron was officially commissioned in July 2021. 

If concluded, the fresh order for 114 jets will substantially expand the Rafale fleet and is expected to play a key role in bridging the IAF’s combat aircraft gap while advancing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.