Our Bureau
New Delhi
In a major push to modernise its armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a slew of high‑value procurements worth around ₹3.60 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and six additional P‑8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Navy. The decisions, taken under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, mark one of the largest single‑window clearances in recent years and are expected to significantly enhance India’s air and maritime combat edge.
Under the Multi‑Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, the DAC has given the nod for 114 Rafale jets, a move aimed at arresting the IAF’s squadron‑shortfall and bolstering deep‑strike and air‑superiority capabilities. The Rafale, equipped with advanced avionics, long‑range Meteor air‑to‑air missiles and SCALP cruise missiles, is seen as a key force multiplier on both the western and northern fronts. For the Navy, the approval of six more P‑8I aircraft will expand its long‑range maritime surveillance and anti‑submarine warfare footprint across the Indian Ocean Region.
Beyond these headline platforms, the DAC has cleared a raft of other capital proposals covering precision munitions, radars, rocket systems, and drone‑detection suites for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Officials said the package will be routed through a mix of inter‑governmental agreements and domestic production routes, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” and self‑reliance goals. With security challenges intensifying on multiple fronts, the approvals signal a clear intent to harden India’s defence posture through technology‑intensive, networked capabilities over the next decade.
