IAF, Army and Navy receive multi-platform capability boost
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital procurement proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, including the acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) — Rafale jets — from France’s Dassault Aviation, officials said on Thursday.
For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of the MRFA (Rafale), combat missiles, and Air-Ship Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (AS-HAPS).
A majority of the 114 fighter aircraft will be manufactured in India. According to the Defence Ministry, the procurement will strengthen the IAF’s ability to undertake air dominance missions across the spectrum of conflict and significantly enhance its long-range offensive and deterrence capabilities.
“The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long-range offensive strikes,” the ministry said in a statement.
The approved combat missiles are expected to improve stand-off ground attack capability, offering deep-strike power with high accuracy. The AS-HAPS platforms will be deployed for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Intelligence, telecommunications, and remote sensing for military operations.
The approval comes four days ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India.
IAF squadron strength below sanctioned level
The move assumes significance as the IAF’s fighter squadron strength has declined to 29, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. The MiG-21 fleet was retired in September, while early variants of the MiG-29, the Anglo-French Jaguar and the Mirage 2000 are nearing retirement, according to Reuters.
Army and Navy proposals cleared
In addition to the IAF acquisitions, the DAC cleared proposals for the Indian Army, including the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and the overhaul of vehicle platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II).
“Vibhav mines will be laid as an anti-tank obstacle system to delay the advance of enemy mechanised forces. The overhaul of vehicle platforms of ARVs, T-72 tanks and BMP-II will enhance service life of equipment, ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian Army,” the ministry said.
For the Indian Navy, approvals were granted for a 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and additional P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
The ministry said induction of the 4 MW marine gas turbine generator under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 would reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and strengthen self-reliance in naval power generation requirements.
The acquisition of additional P-8I aircraft is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capabilities.
With these approvals, the DAC has cleared a comprehensive package aimed at strengthening India’s air, land and maritime defence preparedness while also promoting domestic manufacturing under existing procurement frameworks.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- India approves 114 Rafale jets in ₹3.60 lakh crore defence push - February 12, 2026
- ‘We should wait for the outcome’: MEA as polling concludes in Bangladesh - February 12, 2026
- Rahul Gandhi made an ass of himself, says Hardeep Puri amid Epstein files row - February 12, 2026
