Friday, February 13, 2026

BIG TICKET ARM$ FOR INDIA: French Rafale Fighter Jets $40-Billion

Proposals worth $40 billion still require final government approval and contract signature

The Rafale procurement also precedes a planned visit to India by French President Emmanuel Macron.

India clears plan to acquire 114 Rafale fighters and additional P-8I aircraft

India has granted initial approval for a military procurement package valued at 3.6 trillion rupees ($40 billion), including the acquisition of 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and additional Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy.

The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the proposals this week, according to India’s defence ministry. The measures require final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and formal contracts have yet to be signed.

Local media reported that the 114 Rafale jets could be acquired under a deal worth about 3.25 trillion rupees. Around 18 aircraft are expected to be delivered in fly-away condition to address near-term operational requirements, with the remainder to be manufactured in India.

If completed, the order would significantly expand India’s Rafale fleet.
The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters, while the navy signed a contract in April for 26 Rafale-Marine variants to equip its aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
A new order for 114 aircraft would take the total Rafale fleet across the services to 176 jets.

Pakistani - India is planning to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets in a potential deal estimated at around $40 billion, according to defense reports. The proposed purchase would significantly enhance the country's