Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Deal for 114 Dassault Rafale Jets

In a major boost to India’s air power, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted initial approval for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft.

The proposed deal, estimated at ₹3.25 lakh crore, comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India from February 17. The acquisition is expected to further strengthen India–France defence ties.

Key Features of the Deal

• Procurement of 114 Rafale multirole fighter jets
• Estimated cost: ₹3.25 lakh crore
• Technology transfer from Dassault Aviation
• Planned production in India
• Indigenous weapon systems, radars, and ammunition integration

The deal had earlier received approval from the Defence Acquisition Board. The final agreement will require clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before signing.

Strategic Significance

The induction of 114 Rafales is aimed at addressing the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s declining squadron strength. The move gains importance amid heightened security concerns following recent military operations and evolving regional threats.

The acquisition is expected to:

• Enhance air superiority capabilities
• Strengthen deterrence posture
• Promote defence indigenisation under technology transfer
• Boost domestic aerospace manufacturing

Broader Defence Procurement

In addition to the Rafale clearance, the DAC has also approved various procurement items required by the tri-services. This comes in the final quarter of the financial year, ensuring timely operational preparedness.

Importance for Exams

• Deal value: ₹3.25 lakh crore
• Aircraft: 114 Rafale fighter jets
• Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation (France)
• Approval body: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
• Final clearance required from: Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)

This approval marks one of the largest defence procurement proposals in India’s history and reflects a significant step toward strengthening national security and strategic partnerships.

Exam-Oriented MCQs

Q1. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared a proposal to procure how many Rafale fighter jets?
(a) 36
(b) 72
(c) 96
(d) 114
(e) 126

Q2. The estimated cost of the 114 Rafale fighter jet deal is approximately:
(a) ₹2.10 lakh crore
(b) ₹2.75 lakh crore
(c) ₹3.25 lakh crore
(d) ₹3.80 lakh crore
(e) ₹4.00 lakh crore

Q3. The Rafale fighter aircraft is manufactured by which company?
(a) Boeing
(b) Lockheed Martin
(c) Dassault Aviation
(d) Airbus Defence
(e) Saab

Q4. The Defence Acquisition Council is chaired by:
(a) Prime Minister of India
(b) Chief of Defence Staff
(c) Defence Secretary
(d) Defence Minister
(e) National Security Advisor

Q5. The final approval for the Rafale acquisition deal must be granted by:
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
(c) Ministry of Finance
(d) Parliament Standing Committee on Defence
(e) Comptroller and Auditor General

Q6. The procurement of 114 Rafale jets is primarily aimed at:
(a) Expanding naval aviation
(b) Replacing transport aircraft
(c) Bridging the Indian Air Force’s depleting squadron strength
(d) Exporting fighter aircraft
(e) Supporting space missions