India has taken a decisive step to strengthen its military capabilities by approving a procurement package estimated at $40 billion, headlined by the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets and six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
The decision was approved by the country’s Defense Acquisition Council and includes projects for the air force, navy and coast guard.
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As for the Rafale aircraft, produced by Dassault Aviation, around 90 of the 114 units are expected to be manufactured in India under the MRFA programme, expanding the previous contract of 36 aircraft signed in 2016. The Navy had already ordered 26 maritime Rafale M versions, with deliveries planned from 2029. The package also includes Scalp cruise missiles and allows for greater integration of national weapons systems in the planes.
The agreement may gain further momentum with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India and may strengthen the collaboration between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Safran on the development of a new engine with over 120 kN thrust, intended for India’s future fifth-generation AMCA fighter.
In addition, the Navy will expand its surveillance fleet with six new Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft, which will join the units already acquired earlier.
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 platform, thus consolidating a strategy focused on continuous surveillance 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 editors
🇮🇳 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
