DPB Clears 114 Rafale Jets for IAF Ahead of Macron Visit
DPB Clears 114 Rafale Jets for IAF Ahead of Macron Visit
Defence Procurement Board approves IAF's plan to buy 114 Rafale jets from France, boosting the fleet amid fighter-squadron shortages.
The defence procurement board on Friday gave its go-ahead to an Indian Air Force proposal to buy 114 French-origin Rafale jets to shore up its combat fleet at a time it is grappling with a shortage of fighter squadrons.
The approval by the DPB, chaired by defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, clears the path for the proposed acquisition to be taken up by the defence acquisition council, India’s apex military procurement body. The deal is expected to cost around ₹ 3.25 lakh crore, and under the model being considered, the Rafales will be made in India by Dassault Aviation and a local partner, with indigenous content reportedly ranging between 30% and 60%.
The plan includes quick induction of fighter jets, mid-air refuellers, and airborne early warning and control systems, which were among the recommendations of an empowered committee last year to boost IAF capabilities. The air force currently has around 30 fighter squadrons as against an authorised strength of about 42.5.
Ongoing talks with France are focused on localisation of the Rafales to be produced in India and the integration of local weapons and other India-specific requirements. The clearance comes weeks ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the country in February, during which the two leaders are set to launch the India-France Year of Innovation and attend the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit. The main Modi-Macron meeting is expected to be held in Mumbai on February 17. An actual deal, however, remains several steps away as it must pass the DAC and the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval.
