DAC Clears Rs 3.6 Lakh Crore Defence Procurement Including 114 Rafale Jets

The Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, combat missiles, and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (AS-HAPS) at an estimated cost of Rs 3.6 lakh crore—one of the largest defence acquisitions in Indian history.

The council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, which will strengthen the Indian Air Force's ability to secure air superiority and enhance its deterrence posture through long-range offensive strike capability.

Key Procurements Approved

For Indian Air Force:

114 Rafale Multi Role Fighter Aircraft

Advanced combat missiles for stand-off ground attack capabilities

AS-HAPS for sustained ISR missions, electronic intelligence, and secure communications

For Indian Army:

Vibhav anti-tank mines

Overhaul of Armoured Recovery Vehicles, T-72 tanks, and BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles

For Indian Navy:

4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator (Make-I category)

Additional P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft

For Indian Coast Guard:

Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems for Dornier aircraft

Domestic Manufacturing Boost

Most aircraft are expected to be produced in India, providing significant impetus to domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Strategic Context

The IAF currently operates about 30 fighter squadrons, well below its sanctioned strength of 42, amid rising threat perceptions from Pakistan and China. Defence analysts have flagged increasing strategic coordination between Pakistan-China and Pakistan-Bangladesh as intensifying regional security concerns.

Recent combat experience, including Operation Sindoor, has underlined the 4.5-generation Rafale's importance in offensive roles with its Meteor missiles, SCALP missiles, and laser-guided bombs.

Next Steps

The acquisition moves to the apex committee for approvals, followed by technical and commercial negotiations. The MRFA deal is expected to be finalized during French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming India visit.