Defence Ministry Likely to Clear Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Deal Ahead of Macron’s India Visit

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : India is poised to significantly strengthen its air combat capabilities, with the Defence Ministry expected to clear a massive Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal this week for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to reliable sources. The approval is likely to come ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s forthcoming official visit to New Delhi, underlining the strategic depth of the India–France defence partnership.

Once the Defence Ministry grants its nod, the deal will be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for final approval. The proposed acquisition is being seen as one of the largest defence procurement programmes in recent years and a critical step in addressing the IAF’s long-standing squadron strength concerns.

As per the proposal, 18 Rafale jets will be procured in an off-the-shelf configuration directly from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, enabling quicker induction into service. The remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured in India under a ‘Make in India’ framework. A portion of these jets will be twin-seater variants, primarily intended for operational conversion and advanced training roles.

A key highlight of the deal is the transfer of cutting-edge fighter aircraft technology, coupled with a long-term strategic partnership aimed at boosting India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. Defence officials believe this arrangement will not only enhance operational readiness but also help build indigenous capabilities in advanced aircraft production.

The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters, which form two frontline squadrons. The final delivery of the Rafale ‘C’ variant under the earlier contract was completed in December 2024. In addition, India has placed an order for 26 Rafale ‘M’ carrier-based fighters for the Indian Navy under a separate Rs 63,000 crore deal. These naval aircraft are slated to operate from the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

The naval Rafale agreement also includes comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support, logistics backing and extensive training for personnel, ensuring long-term operational sustainability of the fleet.

Rafale fighters have already demonstrated their combat effectiveness in Indian service. They were deployed during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in May last year, where they were used to strike high-value targets with precision across the border in Pakistan.

Equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors, the Rafale can carry the SCALP air-launched cruise missile capable of hitting hardened targets at ranges exceeding 250 km. The platform is also armed with Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, HAMMER stand-off precision-guided munitions, and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, along with state-of-the-art radar and targeting systems.

Further strengthening industrial cooperation, India and France announced four landmark production transfer agreements in June last year between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). These agreements are expected to accelerate the delivery of Rafale aircraft and deepen India’s role in the global supply chain.

Tata Advanced Systems is set to establish a high-end manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce critical structural components of the Rafale, including sections of the fuselage. The first fuselage assemblies are expected to roll out in 2028, marking a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing journey.

Team Maverick.