India Clears 114 Rafale Jets in Mega Defence Deal Worth Rs 3.25 Lakh Cr
India Clears 114 Rafale Jets in Mega Defence Deal Worth Rs 3.25 Lakh Cr
India approves 114 Rafale jets from France, with most production to be in India, signaling a major boost to defence capability and domestic manufacturing.
In a landmark decision, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation, setting the stage for what officials say will be India's biggest-ever defence deal.
The proposal is valued at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore and includes a mix of fly-away deliveries and locally manufactured aircraft; around 18 jets are expected to land in India ready to fly, while the majority will be manufactured domestically, boosting indigenous defence production.
If the Cabinet Committee on Security signs off, India's Rafale fleet could rise to 176 jets, helping to address fighter squadron shortages and prior production delays that have constrained the air force.
This procurement aligns with a push to 'Make in India' and deepen defence ties with France, following discussions during a recent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to India, where commercial and technical details were on the agenda.
Officials stressed that the move will strengthen deterrence in the region amid rising security concerns, with a focus on technology transfer, local assembly, and long-term maintenance agreements.
