Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:37pm on 09 Feb 2026,Monday Defence
The Indian Air Force’s proposal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets is set to come before the Defence Acquisition Council ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India. Officials said the council may grant Acceptance of Necessity, the first formal step in defence purchases. The plan includes 18 jets bought directly from France and 96 to be made in India with private partners. Some aircraft will be twin-seaters for training. The Defence Procurement Board has already cleared the proposal. After the council nod, commercial talks will begin, followed by approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The deal may cost about ₹3.25 lakh crore. (PC: HT)
