India nears 114 Rafale jets deal approval ahead of Macron visit

India is on the verge of a significant advancement in its military capabilities with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) slated to review a proposal for the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets. This crucial meeting is scheduled to take place ahead of the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, who is expected in New Delhi from February 15-17 for an AI Summit. The proposed deal, estimated to be worth approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore, is seen as a vital step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force's (IAF) operational strength. The Defence Procurement Board has already given its nod to the proposal, paving the way for its consideration by the DAC, which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The plan entails the procurement of 18 Rafale jets in a fly-away condition, with the remaining 96 aircraft to be manufactured in India through a partnership between Dassault Aviation and Indian private sector companies. This 'Make in India' initiative is expected to significantly boost domestic defense manufacturing, with indigenous content potentially reaching up to 60%. The proposed configuration includes 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat variants, with some of the twin-seater aircraft intended for training purposes. The urgency behind this acquisition is underscored by the IAF's current squadron strength, which stands at approximately 29, falling short of the sanctioned strength of 42. This deficit, coupled with escalating threats along India's western and northern borders, necessitates a rapid enhancement of air power. The Rafale fighter jet is considered a key force multiplier, equipped with advanced sensors and long-range strike capabilities, including Meteor air-to-air missiles and SCALP cruise missiles. India already operates 36 Rafale jets, acquired in 2016, and the Indian Navy has also ordered 26 Rafale M variants. The impending visit of President Macron is significant not only for diplomatic engagements but also for its potential to witness further deepening of the defense and security partnership between India and France. This proposed acquisition aligns with India's broader strategic objective of enhancing its defense industrial base and achieving greater self-reliance in military manufacturing, a key tenet of the 'Make in India' initiative. Following the DAC's approval, the proposal will move to the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for final clearance. The deal is poised to be one of the largest fighter jet procurements in India's history. It's also worth noting that France and India are intensifying discussions on other defense deals, including 26 Rafale-M jets for the Navy. Multiple reports indicate that the DAC meeting is expected to be held around February 12th. The article from Hindustan Times, dated February 9, 2026, confirms the proposal is set to go before the DAC ahead of Macron's visit. The sourcing indicates a consensus across various reputable news outlets regarding the timeline and the key details of the potential acquisition. The inclusion of indigenous manufacturing of a significant portion of the aircraft underscores India's push for self-reliance in its defense sector. The estimated cost of ₹3.25 lakh crore highlights the magnitude of this defense procurement, which is crucial for modernizing the IAF and maintaining a strategic edge in the region.

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