In a significant boost to India's defense capabilities, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, has green-lit the procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets. This deal, estimated to cost around 3.25 lakh crore rupees, is part of India's efforts to modernize its armed forces and reinforce its aerial combat strength. Initially, 18 Rafale jets will be delivered from France, with the remaining jets being manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative.

The DAC, which is the highest defense procurement body in the Indian government, met recently to finalize this crucial decision. The council comprises senior military officials, including the chiefs of the armed forces, and evaluates various defense procurement proposals to ensure that they align with national security interests. This particular approval is considered a critical step toward enhancing the Indian Air Force's capabilities in line with its modernization plans and to meet increasingly complex security challenges in the region.

The approval is now awaiting final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is responsible for approving high-stakes defense deals in India. Securing this deal is seen as imperative for maintaining a strategic advantage over neighboring countries, particularly amid rising tensions and the need for advanced combat systems in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics. The procurement is not only a matter of military strength but symbolizes India's commitment to bolstering its defense production capacities within the country.