The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest decision-making body for defence procurement within the defence ministry, is expected to discuss a major proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Indian Air Force.
According to media reports, the procurement proposal, estimated to cost around ₹3.25 lakh crore, will be taken up for discussion ahead of the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India in the third week of February.
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News agency ANI quoted sources as saying that the procurement proposal is seen as “critical for meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force in view of the present security scenario in the region.”
The Defence Procurement Board has already cleared the proposal, which is set to enhance the operational readiness of the IAF. The force is currently facing a significant fighter jet shortage, operating around 29–31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.
Under the deal, the IAF is expected to receive 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat aircraft. The majority (around 80 per cent) of these fighter jets will be made in India through collaboration between Dassault and Indian private-sector defence companies.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is set to receive as many as 26 Rafale (Marine) jets from France, primarily for deployment onboard the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
In November, French aircraft equipment manufacturer Safran said it is committed to setting up a final assembly line in India for Rafale engines and critical components if the Indian Air Force places additional orders for the fighter jets.
