Indian Government Clears Acquisition of 114 Rafale Jets and Six P8I Aircraft

The Defence Acquisition Council gave the green light to a major defence purchase that includes 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Air Force and six P 8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Navy, as per news reports. 

Approval of Rafale and P8I procurement 

The council meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, endorsed a proposal worth ₹3.25 lakh crore.  

The deal will raise the Air Force’s Rafale fleet to roughly 150 aircraft, while the Navy will add six P 8I platforms to its existing twelve, enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities. 

Squadron strength and operational need 

At the time of approval the Air Force operated 29 squadrons against an authorised strength of 42, the lowest level in decades. The additional Rafale jets are intended to bridge this gap and sustain air‑defence readiness.  

The Navy’s P 8I fleet, which has logged over 40,000 mishap‑free hours, will further strengthen anti‑submarine warfare and long‑range patrol duties across the Indian Ocean. 

Read More: India and Malaysia Ink 11 Pacts to Strengthen Defense and Semiconductor Ties! 

Financial allocation and budget context 

The Union Budget 2026‑27 allocated ₹7.8 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence, representing 14.67% of the total budget.  

Of this, 27.95% is earmarked for capital expenditure, with ₹1.85 lakh crore specifically set aside for modernisation projects such as the Rafale and P 8I acquisition. 

The overall modernisation outlay stands at ₹2.19 lakh crore, marking a 24% rise from the previous fiscal year. 

Conclusion 

The approval adds a substantial number of advanced aircraft to India’s defence inventory, addressing current shortfalls in squadron strength and expanding maritime surveillance. The procurement aligns with the increased capital allocation in the latest defence budget. 

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