India has cleared a massive fighter aircraft acquisition programme to procure 114 Rafale jets, a move aimed at significantly enhancing the country’s aerial combat strength and accelerating long-term air power modernization. The project, estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, ranks among the biggest defence procurement decisions in India’s history.
The approval was granted by the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), formally clearing the path for the acquisition programme. The decision comes shortly before the scheduled India visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, during which key bilateral defence and technology partnerships are also expected to be discussed.
According to defence sources, the proposal had earlier received clearance from the Defence Procurement Board, enabling the next phase of negotiations with French aerospace manufacturer Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale fighter aircraft.
Boost To Squadron Strength
The procurement assumes added significance as the Indian Air Force currently operates well below its sanctioned squadron strength. Against an approved capacity of 42 fighter squadrons, the force has about 29 in service, even as it manages operational responsibilities along both western and northern borders.
Officials said the new jets will help bridge capability gaps, replace ageing aircraft, and improve multi-role combat readiness across varied operational scenarios.
Delivery And Local Manufacturing Plan
Under the approved framework, 18 aircraft are expected to be delivered in fly-away condition, while 96 jets will be assembled in India. The programme places strong emphasis on domestic production and technology participation.
Government estimates indicate that nearly 80 percent of the aircraft will be manufactured within India, with indigenous content projected to reach up to 60 percent under the Make in India push. The plan is expected to generate large-scale opportunities for Indian private sector defence firms in assembly, component manufacturing, and lifecycle maintenance.
The fleet mix will likely include 88 single-seat fighters and 26 twin-seat variants, offering operational flexibility for combat as well as training roles.
Existing Rafale Fleet
India began inducting Rafale fighters in 2020, with the first batch arriving at Ambala air base. Two squadrons are currently operational — No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” at Ambala and No. 101 Squadron “Falcons” at Hasimara — both positioned for rapid deployment.
With this new clearance, India signals a long-term commitment to advanced toggle air dominance platforms and deeper strategic defence cooperation with France.
