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Rs 3.25 lakh crore procurement to boost IAF strength under MRFA programme
February 12, 2026: In a major push to strengthen India’s air combat capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets in a deal estimated at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore. Cleared under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the acquisition marks a significant expansion of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modern fighter fleet, following the earlier induction of 36 Rafale jets from France. The procurement will be carried out under the long-pending Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme and is expected to be finalised through a government-to-government agreement with France, possibly during French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
The deal includes 88 single-seat fighter jets and 26 twin-seat trainer variants configured for land-based operations. Beyond the aircraft, the package is set to cover advanced weapon systems, simulators, spare parts, training infrastructure, and long-term maintenance and logistical support. Separately, the Ministry of Defence has also cleared the acquisition of six additional P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy in a deal worth around $3 billion (approximately Rs 27,000 crore), further bolstering India’s defence preparedness.
Once deliveries are completed, the IAF’s Rafale fleet is expected to rise to nearly 150 aircraft. With the addition of 26 Rafale-Marine jets for the Navy’s aircraft carriers, India’s total Rafale inventory could reach around 176 jets. Officials indicate that the broader objective is not only to enhance operational readiness but also to position India as a key global hub for Rafale production, maintenance and upgrades.