India has taken decisive steps to strengthen its military capabilities by approving a defense acquisition package worth about $40 billion. This package includes the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets and 6 P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
This decision was approved by India’s Defense Acquisition Council and includes projects targeting the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.
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In the case of the Rafale manufactured by Dassault Aviation, approximately 90 of the 114 aircraft will be produced in India under the MRFA program. This corresponds to an expansion of the contract to introduce 36 units signed in 2016. The Indian Navy has already ordered 26 naval version Rafale M, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029. This package also includes the Scalp cruise missile, paving the way for expanded integration of domestically produced armament for aircraft.
The agreement is expected to receive additional momentum following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, and could strengthen cooperation between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Safran on the development of new engines with a thrust of more than 120 kN. The engine will be applied to India’s next-generation 5th generation fighter AMCA.
Additionally, the Navy plans to introduce six additional Boeing P-8I Poseidons and operate them together with the existing aircraft.
By the 2030s, India is expected to operate the region’s largest maritime patrol system, including MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles and C-295-based aircraft. This is a measure that solidifies the strategy focused on continuous monitoring and protection of strategic waters.
source: Naval News | Photo: X @Boeing_In | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our 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
