Defence Acquisition Council to Deliberate on Rafale Jet Procurement This Week
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled to convene this week to discuss the procurement of additional French Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This meeting, likely to take place on Thursday, precedes the upcoming state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India from February 17 to 19, 2026.
Key Approval Expected for Rafale Acquisition
According to official sources, the DAC is expected to grant the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Rafale jets during its session. The AoN represents the initial step in India's defence procurement process, though it does not guarantee a final contract. The proposal for acquiring these advanced combat aircraft was recently cleared by the Defence Procurement Board last month, with discussions gaining momentum over the past year.
The exact number of Rafale jets to be procured remains undisclosed, although the IAF has previously projected a requirement for 114 aircraft. Under the proposed deal, a portion of the jets would be purchased in a fly-away condition, while the majority would be manufactured domestically in India with an indigenous content of approximately 30%. Additionally, plans are in place to integrate indigenous weapon systems into these aircraft.
Strategic Importance and Budgetary Allocations
The procurement of additional Rafale jets is strategically significant for enhancing India's air defence capabilities. The IAF currently operates 36 Rafales, and the Indian Navy is set to induct 26 Rafale M variants for carrier-based operations in the coming years. Acquiring more Rafales is anticipated to reduce logistical and training costs while addressing the IAF's fighter squadron shortfall.
Presently, the IAF maintains 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The new Rafales will help bridge this capability gap until indigenous fighter programs, such as the LCA Mk1 A, LCA Mk 2, and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), become operational. The AMCA is not expected to enter service until after 2035, prompting considerations for interim procurement of other fifth-generation fighters.
Financial Implications and Future Contracts
The defence modernisation budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27 is projected to increase by nearly 22% compared to the previous year. A substantial capital allocation of Rs 0.63 lakh crore has been earmarked for aircraft and aero-engines, up from Rs 0.48 lakh crore in the prior fiscal. This budgetary boost indicates the government's intent to finalise multiple high-value defence contracts, including deals for American P8I aircraft and the Rafale jets.
These contracts are likely to involve advance payments of up to 10% of the total contract value. The final agreement for the Rafale procurement will require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, with no confirmation yet on whether a deal will be announced during President Macron's visit.
This development underscores India's ongoing efforts to modernise its defence forces and strengthen bilateral ties with France through strategic military collaborations.
