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   Defence Acquisition Council clears proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets

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   India clears proposal to buy 114 Rafale jets after Macron visit

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   Defence Acquisition Council clears proposal to procure 114 Rafale jets, paving way for commercial and technical talks after Macron India visit.

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• Defence Acquisition Council approved proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets, advancing Indian Air Force modernisation plans.

• Clearance enables detailed commercial and technical negotiations between India and France following President Macron recent visit.

• The deal aims to strengthen air combat capability amid evolving regional security challenges and ageing aircraft fleet.

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In a major boost to India’s air power, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets, marking a significant step forward in the Indian Air Force’s long-term modernisation programme. The clearance paves the way for detailed commercial and technical negotiations between India and France, following the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India.

The decision signals the government’s intent to strengthen India’s air combat capability amid evolving regional security challenges and the urgent need to replace ageing aircraft in the Indian Air Force fleet.

What the Clearance Means

The approval by the Defence Acquisition Council does not finalise the purchase immediately. Instead, it allows the next stage of discussions to begin. These discussions will focus on:

• Commercial terms of the contract

• Technical specifications and customisation

• Transfer of technology

• Local manufacturing and offset obligations

• Delivery timelines

The DAC clearance essentially provides the green light for structured negotiations between Indian and French authorities, including representatives from Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale aircraft.

Background of the Rafale Programme

India had earlier signed a deal in 2016 to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a government-to-government agreement. These aircraft have since been inducted into the Indian Air Force and are operational in strategic bases.

The Rafale is a multi-role fighter aircraft known for its advanced avionics, weapon systems, and operational flexibility. It is capable of carrying out:

• Air superiority missions

• Ground attack operations

• Maritime strike

• Reconnaissance missions

The proposed acquisition of 114 additional aircraft aims to address the Indian Air Force’s declining squadron strength.

Indian Air Force Requirements

The Indian Air Force has long maintained that it requires at least 42 fighter squadrons to effectively manage threats along both western and northern borders. However, the current strength has fallen below that level due to the phased retirement of older aircraft such as the MiG-21 and MiG-27.

Modernisation has become a priority to maintain air dominance and deterrence capability.

The procurement of 114 Rafale jets would significantly enhance:

• Operational readiness

• Air superiority capability

• Strategic deterrence

Strategic Importance of the Deal

India’s security environment remains complex, with challenges emerging along its borders and in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening air power is seen as critical to maintaining a credible deterrent posture.

The Rafale aircraft is equipped with advanced weapon systems, including:

• Beyond visual range air-to-air missiles

• Precision-guided munitions

• Electronic warfare suites

Its induction would enhance India’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

Role of France in India Defence Strategy

France has emerged as one of India’s key defence partners. The relationship extends beyond fighter jets to include cooperation in:

• Naval platforms

• Submarine technology

• Space and satellite systems

• Joint military exercises

President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to India further reinforced the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The clearance of the Rafale proposal shortly after the visit highlights the momentum in bilateral defence ties.

Economic and Industrial Implications

Large defence deals often include offset clauses that require foreign manufacturers to invest in local industry.

The new Rafale proposal is expected to include:

• Significant local manufacturing components

• Technology transfer

• Partnerships with Indian aerospace firms

Such measures align with the government’s Make in India initiative and aim to boost domestic defence production capabilities.

Indian companies may participate in:

• Assembly operations

• Component manufacturing

• Maintenance and repair services

This could create employment opportunities and enhance technical expertise within the country.

Procurement Process and Timeline

Following DAC clearance, the procurement process typically involves:

1. Issuance of Request for Proposal

2. Technical evaluation

3. Commercial negotiations

4. Contract signing

5. Production and delivery

Given the scale of the deal, negotiations are expected to be detailed and time-consuming.

The final contract value could run into billions of dollars, making it one of India’s largest defence procurements.

Political and Public Reaction

Defence deals often attract political scrutiny due to their financial magnitude.

The earlier Rafale deal was subject to political debate and legal scrutiny, though courts upheld the process.

The government has stated that transparency and due procedure will be followed in the new procurement.

Opposition parties are likely to closely monitor the negotiations to ensure accountability.

Air Power Modernisation Roadmap

The Rafale proposal is part of a broader modernisation roadmap that includes:

• Indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft

• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft development

• Upgrades to existing Su-30 MKI fleet

• Procurement of transport and helicopter platforms

The goal is to achieve a balanced and technologically advanced air force capable of meeting future challenges.

Technological Edge of Rafale

The Rafale aircraft offers several advanced features:

• Active electronically scanned array radar

• Integrated electronic warfare system

• Network-centric warfare capability

• High survivability in contested environments

These features make it a versatile platform suited for multi-role missions.

The aircraft’s performance during previous operations has been cited by officials as evidence of its effectiveness.

Financial Considerations

Defence acquisitions require careful financial planning due to their long-term impact on the defence budget.

The government must balance capital expenditure on equipment with revenue expenditure on salaries and pensions.

The proposed 114 aircraft purchase will likely be spread over several years to manage fiscal impact.

Budget allocations will need to reflect this priority.

Regional Security Dynamics

India’s decision to expand its Rafale fleet may influence regional military balances.

Air power remains a decisive factor in modern warfare.

By enhancing its fleet with advanced aircraft, India aims to maintain credible deterrence against potential adversaries.

The acquisition may also encourage further defence modernisation efforts in neighbouring countries.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

Defence cooperation often strengthens broader diplomatic ties.

India and France share common interests in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and Indo-Pacific stability.

Joint exercises and intelligence sharing further deepen collaboration.

The Rafale proposal underscores the long-term strategic trust between the two nations.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the approval, several challenges remain:

• Finalising cost negotiations

• Ensuring timely delivery

• Integrating new aircraft into existing infrastructure

• Training pilots and maintenance crews

Successful implementation will require coordination across multiple agencies.

Importance of Transparency

Given the scale of the deal, transparency in procurement will be essential to maintain public confidence.

The government is expected to follow established procurement guidelines and oversight mechanisms.

Parliamentary committees may also review aspects of the deal.

Future of Indigenous Production

While foreign acquisitions fill immediate capability gaps, India continues to invest in indigenous platforms.

Balancing imports with domestic development remains a key objective.

The Rafale proposal could include technology transfer elements that strengthen India’s aerospace industry.

Such collaboration can accelerate indigenous capability in the long term.

Conclusion

The Defence Acquisition Council’s clearance of the proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets marks a significant milestone in India’s defence modernisation journey.

The move follows strengthened diplomatic engagement with France and reflects India’s commitment to enhancing air power amid evolving security challenges.

While detailed negotiations lie ahead, the proposal signals a clear strategic direction: building a technologically advanced and operationally capable air force.

As commercial and technical discussions proceed, the outcome of this deal will shape India’s defence preparedness and strategic partnerships for years to come.