Image for illustration purposes only. | Photo credit: File
Ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India for the Artificial Intelligence Summit, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled to meet in the second week of February to consider key procurement proposals aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
A senior defense official confirmed that the DAC meeting would give approval of necessity for several acquisition proposals. During his stay, President Macron is also expected to meet Mr. Singh to discuss bilateral defense cooperation between India and France.
Another defense official said several proposals would be tabled at the meeting, including the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. After approval by the DAC, the proposal will be submitted for final approval to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister.
Under the proposed plan, the bulk of the aircraft would be manufactured in India, with indigenous components accounting for around 30-40% of the total content, significantly boosting domestic defense production. The official added that about 18 aircraft in fly-by condition are likely to be procured to meet the immediate operational requirements of the Indian Air Force, while the remaining jets will be manufactured in India. However, the source code would remain with the French side.
Defense experts noted that once the deal is approved by the CCS, it will rank among the largest defense acquisitions India has made. The order would take the country’s total Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft, with the Indian Air Force already operating 36 Rafale jets and the Indian Navy placing orders for 26 naval variants last year.
Representatives from several countries are expected to attend the AI summit, including Brazil, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Spain and Finland.
Separately, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, in his interaction with media persons, had earlier hinted at concerns over the delay in the delivery of fighter jets, noting that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was delayed, partly due to delays in the delivery of F404-IN20 engines from GE.
The IAF has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of strengthening its fighter fleet in the rapidly evolving regional security environment. “To maintain a comfortable strength, we need two squadrons, approximately 30 to 40 aircraft, produced every year. Replacement is not an option, it is a necessity,” the Air Chief said earlier.
Published – 05 Feb 2026 19:24 IST
