The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved a series of significant procurement proposals aimed at strengthening India’s armed forces. Among the key decisions taken during Thursday’s meeting was the clearance to move forward with the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France, according to senior government sources.
The DAC serves as the apex decision-making body for high-value capital acquisitions for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its approval marks a critical step in advancing long-pending modernization plans across the three services.
In addition to the Rafale fighter jet proposal, the council is understood to have sanctioned the procurement of six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft from the United States. The P-8I aircraft play a crucial role in long-range maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The potential acquisition of 114 Rafale jets is expected to bolster the Indian Air Force’s combat strength at a time when squadron numbers remain below sanctioned levels. The Rafale aircraft, already in service with the IAF, are equipped with advanced avionics, weapon systems, and multirole capabilities suited for modern warfare.
Officials indicated that the approvals represent the initial stage in what will be a detailed procurement process involving negotiations, cost assessments, and contractual formalities before final deals are signed.
The latest clearances underline the government’s continued focus on military modernization and strategic capability enhancement amid evolving regional security challenges.
