India’s DAC approved 114 Rafale jets from France, in a $40B defense package to boost IAF amid tensions, with most built locally ahead of Macron’s visit.
India Approves $40B Deal for 114 Additional Rafale Jets:
India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved a sweeping 3.6 trillion rupee ($40 billion) military procurement package on February 13, 2026, including 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. This move, the largest in India’s defense history, addresses critical gaps in the Indian Air Force’s capabilities as it faces dwindling squadrons and escalating tensions with China and Pakistan. With negotiations set to accelerate ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, the deal underscores New Delhi’s push for rapid modernization and self-reliance in arms production.
India Clears 114 Rafales in $40B Defense Boost:
The DAC convened in New Delhi on February 13, 2026, greenlighting procurement proposals worth 3.6 trillion rupees. At the forefront was the long-stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, now advancing with 114 Rafale jets valued at approximately 3.25 trillion rupees. Official ministry statements confirmed the jets would enhance air dominance, precision strikes, and deterrence across conflict scenarios.
Sources indicate 18 aircraft will arrive fully assembled from France, while the bulk-96 to be precise-will be produced locally, incorporating Indian weapons systems and technology transfers. This follows a rigorous evaluation where Rafale outperformed competitors like Boeing’s F/A-18 and Saab’s Gripen in trials.
The approval timeline aligns with Macron’s scheduled February 17-19 visit, where defense cooperation is expected to feature prominently in talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. No immediate disruptions were reported, though the package also cleared six Boeing P-8I maritime reconnaissance planes for the navy, anti-tank missiles for the army, and upgrades for T-72 tanks.
India’s Rafale Leap: Modernizing Air Power:
India’s pursuit of advanced fighters stems from a decade-long effort to replace aging Soviet-era aircraft. The IAF inducted its first 36 Rafales under a 2016 government-to-government deal worth 590 billion rupees, deploying them at Ambala and Hasimara bases near sensitive borders. These jets proved their mettle in the 2025 Operation Sindoor-a brief conflict with Pakistan-launching SCALP missiles over 500 km and supporting ground operations, though Pakistan claimed downing one (a claim India disputes).
The IAF operates just 29-30 squadrons against a sanctioned 42, its lowest since the 1960s, exacerbated by retiring MiG-21s and delays in indigenous Tejas production. A 2024 parliamentary report highlighted this vulnerability amid China’s rapid military buildup and Pakistan’s acquisition of Chinese J-10Cs.
Historically, the MRFA tender launched in 2018 sought 114 jets but stalled over costs and tech transfers. Rafale’s selection reflects its 4.5-generation edge; twin engines, AESA radar, and multirole versatility for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. This deal builds on last year’s 26 Rafale-Marine order for naval carriers, making India the largest non-French Rafale operator.