Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 8: India is set to move a step closer to acquiring 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) expected to clear the proposal ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit later this month, sources said.

Officials indicated that the DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is likely to meet in the coming days to grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the multi-billion-dollar programme. The Defence Procurement Board, headed by the Defence Secretary, had already approved the proposal last month, paving the way for formal negotiations.

If cleared, the acquisition would rank among India’s largest fighter aircraft deals, with an estimated value of around Rs 3.25 lakh crore. The move comes amid an acute shortage of fighter squadrons in the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently operates about 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, even as security challenges intensify along both the western and northern fronts.

Sources said the plan envisages procuring 114 Rafale jets, with 18 aircraft likely to be bought in fly-away condition, while the remaining jets would be manufactured in India. Nearly 80 per cent of the fleet is expected to be produced domestically, with indigenous content potentially reaching 60 per cent under the Make in India framework.

Under the proposed configuration, the IAF would induct 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat variants. Dassault Aviation is expected to partner with Indian private sector companies for local manufacturing and assembly.

Defence planners view the Rafale as a key force multiplier for the IAF. Already inducted into service, the aircraft has demonstrated significant operational value due to its advanced sensors and long-range strike capabilities. Armed with weapons such as the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile and the SCALP cruise missile, the platform substantially enhances India’s offensive reach.

Officials also pointed to growing strategic coordination between Pakistan and China, along with evolving regional dynamics, as factors driving the urgency of the acquisition.

Sources said that once the DAC grants approval, the programme will move into detailed technical and commercial negotiations, with the final contours of the deal expected to emerge over the coming months.