Defense Purchase Board Approves 114 Rafale Jets

In a major step to strengthen India's air defense capabilities, the Defense Procurement Board (DPB) has approved the proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from French company Dassault Aviation. According to defense sources, the proposal will now be presented to the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, followed by final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian Air Force had submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Defence last year for the requirement of 114 Rafale jets. Sources indicate that the final agreement between India and France could be signed by next month. The deal will be executed under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement, ensuring direct procurement without intermediaries and transparent delivery.

Notably, last year in April, India signed a deal worth ₹63,000 crore to purchase 26 Rafale-M marine fighter jets for the Navy. The purchase includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainer aircraft, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2031.