DAC clears way to acquire 114 Rafale jets for Air Force, P8i Aircraft for Navy

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy and combat missiles.

The meeting of the council was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The approval comes at a time when the Indian Air Force’s squadron strength has fallen to 29, significantly below the authorised strength of 42 — the lowest level in decades.

The Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal received the DAC’s nod ahead of the upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. After being cleared by the Defence Procurement Board last month, the proposal will now require final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before the acquisition process can move forward.

Once the deal is completed, the Indian Air Force will operate a fleet of around 150 Rafale jets, while the Indian Navy will induct 26 carrier-compatible Rafale aircraft.

The proposal also includes purchase of Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS), Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and overhaul of Vehicle Platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II).

For the Indian Navy, the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was cleared for 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. For the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the AoN was accorded for the procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft.

Rafale Jets

The first five Rafale fighter jets were inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2020, and since then, the French-made aircraft have become a critical component of India’s air defence and border protection capabilities.

During Operation Sindoor last year, Rafale jets played a decisive role. Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, highlighted their performance, stating, “Rafale was definitely the hero during Operation Sindoor."

Boeing P-8I Poseidon

The Boeing P-8I Poseidon, a long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, remains a vital asset in safeguarding India’s strategic interests across the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Navy currently operates a fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, which have collectively logged more than 40,000 mishap-free flight hours. These aircraft form the backbone of the Navy’s airborne surveillance network and play a crucial role in providing its powerful “eye in the sky" capability.

India’s Defence Budget

In the Union Budget 2026–27, the Ministry of Defence was allocated Rs 7.8 lakh crore — the highest-ever allocation — accounting for 14.67% of the total Union Budget, the largest share among all ministries.

Of the total defence allocation, 27.95% has been earmarked for capital expenditure, 20.17% for revenue expenditure towards sustenance and operational preparedness, 26.40% for pay and allowances, 21.84% for defence pensions, and 3.64% for civil organisations.

Out of the Rs 2.19 lakh crore set aside for modernisation, Rs 1.85 lakh crore has been allocated specifically for capital acquisition, marking an increase of approximately 24% compared to FY 2025–26.

Beyond the Rafale fighter jet programme, the Defence Ministry has several major procurement projects in the pipeline, including contracts for advanced weapon systems, naval ships and submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and drones.