India backs $40 billion military upgrade with more Rafale fighters, Boeing P-8Is
NEW DELHI — India has granted initial clearance for a massive defense procurement plan valued at approximately ₹3.6 trillion ($40 billion), signalling a major push to modernize its armed forces amidst evolving regional security challenges. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and six additional Boeing P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy.
The acceptance of necessity (AoN)—the first step in India’s defense procurement process—paves the way for what could be one of the world’s largest military aviation deals in recent years. The move comes just days before French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit New Delhi, where further discussions on the government-to-government framework for the French-made fighters are expected.
bolstering Air Power
The centerpiece of the approved package is the acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). The IAF has long sought to replenish its combat fleet, which has depleted to around 29 squadrons, well below the authorized strength of 42 required to simultaneously handle a two-front threat from Pakistan and China.
Under the proposed structure of the deal, 18 of the Dassault Aviation-built Rafales are expected to be imported in “fly-away” condition to meet immediate operational requirements. The remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured within India under a technology transfer arrangement, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative to boost domestic defense manufacturing.
These new jets will supplement the 36 Rafales already in service with the IAF and the 26 Rafale-Marine variants that were cleared for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers in 2025. Defense analysts note that standardizing the fleet on the Rafale platform simplifies logistics, training, and maintenance for the Indian military.
Maritime Surveillance Expansion
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft. The P-8I, a variant of the P-8A Poseidon tailored for Indian requirements, is equipped with advanced sensors, harpoon missiles, and torpedoes, making it a potent platform for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and long-range surveillance.
The Indian Navy already operates a fleet of 12 P-8Is, which are extensively used to monitor the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The acquisition is seen as a direct response to the increasing foray of Chinese naval vessels and submarines into the region. The additional aircraft will enhance the Navy’s ability to maintain a persistent vigil over critical sea lines of communication.
Strategic Imperatives
The approval of this capital-intensive package underscores New Delhi’s urgency in addressing capability gaps. The retirement of Soviet-era MiG-21 squadrons and the aging Jaguar and Mirage 2000 fleets have necessitated a rapid induction of modern 4.5-generation fighters. While India continues to develop its indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the government views the Rafale acquisition as a critical interim measure to ensure air dominance.
The procurement package also reportedly includes clearance for indigenous anti-tank mines and other missile systems, further emphasizing the blend of foreign acquisition and domestic production.
Next Steps
While the DAC’s approval is a significant milestone, the deals must now undergo commercial negotiations and receive final financial sanction from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by the Prime Minister. Given the scale of the expenditure, the final contracts are expected to be signed in phases over the coming fiscal years.
The timing of the announcement is strategically significant, coinciding with high-level diplomatic engagements with France and the United States, reinforcing India’s diverse portfolio of defense partners.
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