US EditionDAC approves deals for 114 Rafales for Air Force, 6 P8i planes for Navy
The Rs 3.6 lakh crore deal includes 114 Rafale jets with 50% indigenous content and six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to enhance air and naval capabilities, Defence Ministry said.
- On Thursday, the Defence Acquisition Council approved Acceptance of Necessity for 114 Rafale fighter jets and six P-8I planes, covering proposals worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore, the Ministry of Defence said.
- Operational shortfalls — notably a 29 vs sanctioned 42 squadron strength — prompted urgency as slow Tejas deliveries and AMCA expected after 2035 delayed indigenous replacements.
- Indian industry participation will be central, with 90 Rafales to be built domestically featuring nearly 50 per cent indigenous content, while 18 Rafales will be acquired in fly-away condition under a government-to-government manufacturing arrangement.
- Immediate effects include stronger air dominance and enhanced maritime ISR capabilities, with the Rafale fleet rising to 176 aircraft and six P-8I planes boosting the Indian Navy's ASW and surveillance.
- Beyond capabilities, officials see the programme as a boost to domestic aerospace ecosystem and 'Make in India' defence manufacturing, with clearance coming days before French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, underscoring India–France strategic defence ties.
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45 Articles
According to a source in the Indian Ministry of Defence, this green light in New Delhi is about the purchase of 114 French combat aircraft.
If the contract is expected to be formalized next week, the Indian Ministry of Defense gave its green light to acquire 114 additional Rafale aircraft. India would then become the first customer to...
India approves ₹3.6 lakh crore defence upgrade, to buy 114 Rafale jets and reconnaissance plane for navy
India has approved a ₹3.6 lakh crore boost to its armed forces, including 114 new Rafale fighter jets and P-8I reconnaissance aircraft, amid rising tensions with neighbours.
India backs $40b military upgrade with more Rafale fighters, Boeing P-8Is
India on Thursday gave initial clearance for a $40 billion boost to the country's armed forces, including procurement of more Rafale fighter jets for the air force and Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft for the navy. A defence ministry source told AFP that the decision covers the purchase of 114 French Rafale fighter jets, adding to a few dozen already ordered for the Indian Air Force. A defence ministry statement that did not specify the numbe…
The Indian Ministry of Defence has given its green light to the purchase of new French fighter aircraft. Elysée salutes "the passage of a very important milestone" before Emmanuel Macron's visit the week
Associated Press News
India moves a step closer to buying Rafale fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft
India’s defense ministry says a government panel has cleared a major step toward buying more Rafale fighter jets and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
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