🇮🇳 India Clears Mega Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Deal for 114 Rafale Fighter Jets
🇮🇳 India Clears Mega Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Deal for 114 Rafale Fighter Jets
In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an estimated cost of ₹3.25 lakh crore. This marks one of the largest fighter aircraft procurement programmes in recent years.
The deal is part of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme and includes a combination of fly-away aircraft and jets to be assembled in India. Around 18 aircraft will be delivered in ready-to-use condition, while the remaining jets will be manufactured in India in collaboration with French company Dassault Aviation and Indian partners under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Reports suggest that domestic content in the project could eventually reach up to 60 percent.
The acquisition package also covers maintenance, repair and logistics support systems aimed at strengthening the long-term operational readiness of the Indian Air Force. The proposal will now be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval.
India’s fighter squadron strength has been below the sanctioned level due to the phased retirement of older aircraft and delays in indigenous programmes. The proposed Rafale deal is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s combat preparedness and modernization efforts.
Key Highlights
• Approval granted for procurement of 114 Rafale jets worth ₹3.25 lakh crore under the MRFA programme.
• Mix of direct imports and local manufacturing to boost India’s defence production capacity.
• Intended to address the shortfall in fighter squadrons and strengthen air defence capability.
• Awaiting final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
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