The council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the proposal amid concerns over the Air Force’s declining squadron strength, which has fallen to 29 against the sanctioned 42. Defence officials said the additional Rafale aircraft would significantly improve air defence readiness and deployment flexibility, especially along sensitive border sectors.
If cleared by the CCS, the agreement could be formalized during French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India, according to government sources familiar with the timeline. India inducted its first Rafale jets in 2020 and currently operates 36 of the aircraft. The Navy has separately ordered 26 carrier-compatible Rafales for deployment on aircraft carriers.
The acquisition will be executed under the Make in India framework. French manufacturer Dassault Aviation will produce the jets in partnership with an Indian company, with technology transfer covering airframe manufacturing. Officials indicated that indigenous content could eventually reach 55–60 percent, with Safran and Thales participating in engine and avionics integration. Indian-made weapons and secure data links compatible with domestic radar systems will also be fitted on the aircraft.
Alongside the fighter jet proposal, the DAC cleared the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft. The Navy already operates 12 of these long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare platforms, which have logged more than 40,000 accident-free flight hours and play a key role in monitoring activity across the Indian Ocean Region.
The approvals come against the backdrop of a ₹7.8 lakh crore defence allocation in the 2026–27 Union Budget, with ₹1.85 lakh crore earmarked for capital procurement, marking a significant increase over the previous year. Officials say the funds will support modernization projects ranging from fighter aircraft and warships to drones and advanced weapons systems.
The Air Force first sought approval for 114 additional Rafales in September 2025, arguing that existing infrastructure, training systems, and maintenance facilities would allow rapid induction once the deal is finalized.
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