New Delhi: India has approved one of its biggest defence deals ever with the decision to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. The proposal was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s air power and modernise its military forces.
According to officials, 18 of the jets will be bought directly from France in ready to fly condition. The remaining aircraft will be manufactured in India under the government’s push to expand domestic defence production. Most of the production work is expected to take place in India with significant local participation.
The deal is estimated to be worth around 3.25 lakh crore rupees, making it one of the largest defence contracts in the country’s history. The jets will be supplied by French company Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale aircraft.
Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force, which has been facing a shortage of fighter squadrons as older aircraft are being phased out. The new jets are expected to boost India’s combat readiness and enhance its air defence capabilities.
The approval comes ahead of the planned visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. Defence cooperation has become a key pillar of ties between India and France in recent years.
Along with the Rafale proposal, the government also cleared other major defence purchases as part of a larger package aimed at modernising the armed forces.
The new deal signals India’s continued focus on strengthening its military strength while promoting local manufacturing and technology transfer in the defence sector.