New Delhi, February 12: Ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, the central government on Thursday approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Air Force. Eighteen of these aircraft will be manufactured directly by France’s Dassault Aviation and will come to India. The remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured in India in partnership with private companies, many of which will be twin-seater training versions.
Following the receipt of the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday, commercial negotiations will commence, followed by final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Modi.
The DAC met today in South Block, chaired by the Defence Minister, and several important decisions were made for the armed forces. The central government has approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Air Force under a government-to-government deal with France. These aircraft will have full authorization to integrate 40-50% Made in India weapons. This military hardware deal with France, worth โน3.25 lakh crore, is at least five times larger than any previous contract with any other country. India currently has 36 Rafales, and this deal, increasing the number to 150 aircraft, is expected to increase the country’s air power manifold.
Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor stated in a press conference a day earlier that during Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, in which the Rafale was a “hero.” With the approval of this deal, India’s total Rafale order will reach 186 jets, as an order for 26 Rafale-Ms worth โน63,000 crore has already been placed for the Indian Navy. Approximately 100 jets will be manufactured in India, providing a major boost to technology transfer, the Dassault-Tata partnership, and Make in India. Delivery is expected by 2030.
On January 16, the Defense Procurement Board, headed by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, approved the proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. Following the approval of the DAC, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the final approval will be given by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Modi. The deal will then be finalized during French President Macron’s visit to India this month. The Air Force’s Ambala Air Base already has a Rafale flight-training and maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility. These jets will be purchased under the “Make in India” scheme, in which Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation will partner with an Indian firm.