India Approves Major Defence Expansion With 114 Rafale Jets and 6 P-8I Aircraft

India has taken a major step toward strengthening its air and maritime defence capabilities after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and six P-8I Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy. The approvals are part of a broader defence modernisation package valued at approximately ₹3.6 lakh crore (around $40 billion), making it one of the largest military procurement initiatives in India’s history.

The decision comes at a time of heightened regional security challenges, particularly along India’s borders with Pakistan and China, and reflects the government’s push to rapidly enhance combat readiness across air and naval domains.

The Rafale, a versatile 4.5-generation platform, remarkably more sophisticated than the base model the UPA government had begun bargaining for, has already demonstrated its prowess in IAF exercises. | News18

Addressing the Indian Air Force’s Squadron Shortfall

The Rafale acquisition is aimed at urgently addressing the Indian Air Force’s declining fighter squadron strength, which currently stands at around 29 squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42. This shortfall has been driven by the retirement of ageing platforms such as the MiG-21 and the planned phase-out of older MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 variants in the coming years.

The induction of 114 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s air superiority, deep-strike, and deterrence capabilities. The Rafale is already in service with two frontline squadrons based in Ambala and Hasimara, and has become a key component of India’s air power due to its advanced avionics, weapons integration, and multirole flexibility.

Reports indicate that under the new plan, a small number of aircraft may be imported in fly-away condition, while the majority will be manufactured and assembled in India with technology transfer. This is expected to include extensive industrial participation, strengthening India’s domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Boost to Make in India and Defence Manufacturing

A central element of the proposed Rafale deal is its alignment with the government’s “Make in India” and self-reliance goals. Most of the 114 aircraft are expected to be produced in India under a strategic partnership model, involving Indian private sector firms alongside French manufacturer Dassault Aviation.

This approach is intended to build long-term domestic capabilities in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and advanced systems integration. It is also expected to create skilled jobs, support supply chain development, and reduce long-term dependence on imports for critical defence platforms.

The Rafale expansion is also seen as a bridge capability while indigenous fighter programmes such as Tejas Mk-1A, Tejas Mk-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) progress toward full-scale production in the coming years.

Strengthening Naval Surveillance With P-8I Aircraft

In parallel, the DAC has cleared the acquisition of six additional Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft for the Indian Navy. These long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft play a critical role in monitoring the Indian Ocean Region, tracking hostile submarines, and conducting wide-area maritime surveillance.

The Indian Navy already operates a fleet of P-8I aircraft, which have significantly enhanced India’s maritime domain awareness, particularly amid growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. The additional aircraft are expected to further strengthen India’s ability to secure vital sea lanes, protect maritime interests, and support joint operations with friendly navies.

Strategic Context and International Partnerships

The approvals come amid deepening defence and strategic partnerships with key global players, particularly France and the United States. India has already signed a separate deal for 26 Rafale-Marine variants for deployment on its aircraft carriers, while defence cooperation with the US has expanded across surveillance, logistics and technology sharing.

The proposals will now move to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for final approval. Commercial negotiations and contract finalisation are expected to follow, with reports suggesting that timelines may align with upcoming high-level India-France engagements.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s clearance of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets and six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft represents a decisive push to strengthen both air and naval power at a time of rising regional security pressures. The move directly addresses the Indian Air Force’s critical squadron shortfall while significantly upgrading India’s strike, air superiority, and surveillance capabilities. With the Rafale already proven in frontline service, the expanded fleet will enhance deterrence across sensitive borders and improve India’s ability to respond rapidly to evolving threats in both continental and maritime domains.

At the same time, the structure of the deal signals a strong emphasis on long-term self-reliance. Large-scale domestic production, technology transfer, and deeper industrial participation are set to boost India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, create skilled employment, and reduce dependence on imports. The additional P-8I aircraft will further strengthen maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing India’s role as a key security provider in the region. Together, these acquisitions reflect a strategy that combines immediate military readiness with sustained capacity-building for the future.

(Sources: News18, India Today, Hindustan Times)