India has moved a step closer to strengthening its air power after the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) cleared a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation. The decision is being seen as a major boost to the Indian Air Force’s combat strength.
Defence Procurement Board, headed by the Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh today, okayed the proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from French plane maker Dassault. The purchase proposal will now be taken up for clearance at the level of the Defence Minister Rajnath… pic.twitter.com/ftl4VBHmQv
— The Tribune (@thetribunechd) January 17, 2026
The DPB is chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. With this clearance in place, the proposal will now go before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Once approved there, the final decision will rest with the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Deal likely to be finalised soon
According to defence sources, India and France are aiming to seal the agreement as early as February. A high-level meeting between Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled around that time, and the Rafale deal is expected to be one of the key items on the agenda.
The Indian Air Force had formally approached the Defence Ministry last year with a request for 114 additional Rafale jets as part of its broader plan to rebuild squadron strength.
Rafale buy will not affect indigenous fighter plans
Officials have made it clear that the Rafale purchase will not slow down India’s own fighter aircraft programmes. Projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is a fifth-generation fighter, and the Tejas Mark-2 will continue on their own timelines and budgets.
The Defence Ministry has already placed an order for 180 Tejas Mark-1A jets with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Officials say the indigenous aircraft plans and the Rafale acquisition are being handled independently.
Why the IAF pushed for more Rafales
The Indian Air Force’s preference for Rafale is based on several practical reasons. The IAF already operates 36 Rafale jets, while the Indian Navy has ordered 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft. Higher numbers of the same aircraft type help bring down maintenance and operating costs.
A Rafale training and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility is already functional at the IAF base in Ambala. The Air Force also has the space, tools, spares and trained personnel to induct at least two squadrons, roughly 36 to 38 aircraft, without delay.
Make in India, ToT and Indian weapons integration
The 114 jets will be acquired under an Inter-Governmental Agreement and will follow the ‘Make in India’ route. Dassault Aviation will partner with Indian companies and transfer technology for manufacturing key parts of the aircraft.
French suppliers such as Safran and Thales will be part of the transfer of technology process, covering airframes, engines and avionics. Once this is completed, the indigenous content in the aircraft is expected to reach between 55 and 60%.
All 114 Rafale jets will also be fitted with Indian weapons, missiles and ammunition. Dassault will provide secure data links to ensure smooth digital integration with Indian radars and sensors, allowing real-time sharing of images and data with ground controllers.
Manufacturing push gets stronger
In June, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed four production transfer agreements to manufacture Rafale fuselage sections in India. A new, high-tech facility will come up in Hyderabad to produce major structural parts, including the front, central and rear fuselage sections.
The first fuselage sections are expected to roll out in FY2028, and the plant is planned to deliver up to two complete fuselages every month. This move is expected to significantly strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing base and support global supply chains.
Navy Rafale deal signed earlier
In April last year, India signed a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The order includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainer aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2031.
