New Delhi: India has moved a decisive step closer to a landmark expansion of its air combat power with the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) clearing a proposal to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, defence sources said on Friday.
The approval, reported by News18 citing official sources, marks a crucial milestone in a long-running Indian Air Force (IAF) push to arrest its shrinking fighter squadron strength. The proposal will now be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for further scrutiny before final political clearance.
If the deal goes through, India’s Rafale fleet will rise from the current 36 aircraft to 176 jets, significantly enhancing the IAF’s frontline strike and air superiority capabilities.
Bridging a Critical Squadron Gap
The IAF remains well below its sanctioned squadron strength, a concern repeatedly flagged amid rising regional security challenges. Defence officials say the Rafale was recommended for follow-on induction as the Air Force already has the infrastructure, trained personnel and operational experience to rapidly absorb more aircraft.
“The clearance is a major procedural breakthrough, though additional approvals are still required before the contract is finalised,” sources indicated.
Strong ‘Make in India’ Focus
A key pillar of the proposal is domestic manufacturing. The project—estimated to be worth over ₹2 lakh crore—envisages French defence major Dassault Aviation partnering Indian aerospace firms to build the jets in India, with over 60 per cent indigenous content.
The plan also includes transfer of technology and the integration of Indian weapons systems on the aircraft, aligning the programme closely with the government’s “Make in India” defence push.
Proven Platform, Enhanced Firepower
The Rafale’s combat performance has weighed heavily in its favour. Officials point to its reported success during Operation Sindoor, where the aircraft’s Spectra electronic warfare system is said to have outperformed Pakistan’s Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
The India-built Rafales are also expected to be equipped with longer-range air-to-ground missiles, surpassing the Scalp cruise missile already in service with the IAF.
What Comes Next
The Defence Procurement Board—chaired by the Defence Secretary—examines and clears major procurement cases before they move to the DAC. While Friday’s clearance does not seal the deal, it places the Rafale acquisition firmly on track to become India’s largest-ever defence contract if approved at subsequent stages.
For the Indian Air Force, the decision signals more than numbers—it promises faster force regeneration, deeper indigenisation, and a sharper technological edge in an increasingly contested airspace.
