India likely to clear deal for 114 Rafale jets ahead of France President's visit

India is poised to take a major step towards acquiring 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is likely to clear the proposal ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit later this month, sources told India Today TV.

According to officials, the DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to meet in the coming days to consider granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the multi-billion-dollar programme. The Defence Procurement Board, headed by the Defence Secretary, had already cleared the Rafale acquisition proposal last month, moving the process closer to formal negotiations.

If approved, the deal would rank among India's largest fighter aircraft procurements, with an estimated value of about Rs 3.25 lakh crore. The push came as the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces an acute squadron shortfall. It currently operates around 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, even as threat perceptions rise along both the western and northern fronts.

Sources said the plan envisages the purchase of 114 Rafale jets, with 18 aircraft likely to be bought in fly-away condition, while the rest would be manufactured in India. Nearly 80 per cent of the fleet is expected to be produced domestically, with indigenous content potentially touching 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 tie up with Indian private sector companies for local manufacturing and assembly of the aircraft.

Defence planners viewed the Rafale as a critical force multiplier for the IAF. Already in service, the aircraft has demonstrated operational value due to its advanced sensors and long-range strike capability. Equipped with weapons such as the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile and the SCALP cruise missile, the platform significantly enhances India's offensive reach.

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

"Once the DAC grants approval, the programme will move into detailed technical and commercial negotiations, with the final contours of the deal expected to take shape over the coming months," officials familiar with the matter said.

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