File photo of Rafale jet.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Defence Acquisition Council has cleared a proposal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation.
The clearance comes days before French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India for the Artificial Intelligence Summit.
Around 18 aircraft are likely to be acquired in fly-away condition to meet the Indian Air Force’s immediate operational requirements, while the remaining jets would be manufactured in India, an official told The Hindu.
Following the DAC’s clearance, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will have to give the final approval.
The procurement would take the total Rafale fleet in the country to 176 aircraft, with the Indian Air Force already operating 36 Rafale jets and the Indian Navy having placed orders for 26 naval variants last year.
DAC clears proposal for India to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France
India has moved closer to acquiring 114 additional Rafale fighter jets after the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the proposal to procure the aircraft from France’s Dassault Aviation. Around 18 jets are expected in fly-away condition, while most will be manufactured in India.
If approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, India’s Rafale fleet could rise to 176 aircraft, strengthening the Indian Air Force amid concerns over fighter squadron shortages and production delays.
| Video Credit:
The Hindu
Published – February 12, 2026 03:46 pm IST
