NEW DELHI : The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The estimated value of the procurement is ₹3.25 lakh crore (approximately $35–36 billion). The package includes the aircraft, a comprehensive weapons suite, and long-term maintenance and logistical support.
The approval relates to the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme and comes ahead of the scheduled state visit of Emmanuel Macron to India. The acquisition is intended to address the IAF’s fighter squadron shortfall, with the force currently operating 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.
Procurement Model and Manufacturing Plan
The acquisition will follow a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework with Dassault Aviation.
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18 aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition from France to meet urgent operational requirements.
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96 aircraft will be manufactured in India under the Make in India framework.
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The programme envisages at least 60% indigenous content through partnerships with Indian defence firms.
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A final assembly line in Nagpur is planned, which is expected to function as a regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub for Rafale aircraft.
Variants and Configuration
The fleet will comprise aircraft in the F4 and F5 standards.
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The F4 variant includes improved connectivity, enhanced sensor fusion, and upgraded avionics.
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The F5 variant is designed with advanced electronic warfare capabilities and compatibility with “loyal wingman” unmanned systems.
The order consists of 88 single-seat combat aircraft and 26 twin-seat trainer variants. The first batch is expected to be inducted by 2030.
Weapons Package and Technology Transfer
The procurement includes advanced weapon systems:
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Meteor missile beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.
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SCALP missile long-range air-launched cruise missiles.
The agreement provides for transfer of critical technologies and integration of indigenous Indian weapon systems, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Fleet Expansion and Consolidation
Following completion of deliveries, the IAF’s Rafale fleet will rise to 150 aircraft. In addition, 26 Rafale M aircraft have been ordered for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers. This will bring India’s total Rafale inventory across the armed forces to 176 aircraft.
Additional DAC Approvals
The DAC also cleared other capital acquisition proposals amounting to ₹3.60 lakh crore, including:
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Six additional Boeing P-8I Neptune maritime surveillance aircraft for the Navy.
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High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) for persistent intelligence and surveillance missions.
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Vibhav anti-tank mines and combat missiles to enhance stand-off ground attack capability.
The proposal will now be submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Narendra Modi, for final financial and administrative approval before the signing of a formal contract.
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