India took a decisive step to strengthen its military capacity by approving an acquisition package estimated at US$40 billion, highlighting the purchase of 114 Rafale fighters and six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
The decision was authorized by the country’s Defense Acquisition Council and involves projects intended for the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.
In the case of the Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, around 90 of the 114 units are expected to be produced in India within the MRFA program, expanding the previous contract for 36 aircraft signed in 2016. The Navy had already ordered 26 Rafale M naval versions, with deliveries scheduled from 2029. The package also includes Scalp cruise missiles and paves the way for greater integration of national weapons with the aircraft.
The agreement is expected to gain additional momentum with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India and could strengthen cooperation between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Safran for the development of a new engine of over 120 kN, intended for India’s future fifth-generation AMCA fighter.
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Furthermore, the Navy will expand its surveillance fleet with six new Boeing P-8I Poseidon, which will join the units already acquired previously.
By the 2030s, the country is expected to operate one of the largest maritime patrol structures in the region, including MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and aircraft based on the C-295, consolidating a strategy aimed at continuous monitoring and protection of its strategic waters.
Source: Naval News | Photo: @Boeing_In | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🇮🇳 BIG DEFENCE MOVE
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Rajnath Singh, clears a massive boost to India’s combat power:
✈️ 114 Rafale fighters for the Indian Air Force.
🛩️ 6 P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy.
🚀 SCALP long-range cruise missiles approved.… pic.twitter.com/Mta1jx4L0E— TheGlobalDecoder (@TGD_06) February 12, 2026
