Highlights:
-
India approves a 3.6 trillion rupee ($39.7 billion) defense procurement package
-
Reported order includes 114 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft
-
Emmanuel Macron to visit India from February 17 to 19 for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
-
Package also covers Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft, anti-tank mines, and upgrades to T-72 and BMP-2 platforms
- Advertisement - -
Indian Air Force currently operates 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42
India has cleared a 3.6 trillion rupee ($39.7 billion) defense procurement package that includes a major order for Rafale fighter jets from France, days before French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in New Delhi for high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The timing of the approval places the Emmanuel Macron visit at the center of a significant development in India-France defense cooperation.
The Defence Ministry did not officially confirm the number of aircraft in the deal. However, domestic media reports indicate that the package includes 114 Dassault Rafale jets. According to those reports, 18 aircraft will be delivered directly by Dassault Aviation, while 96 are expected to be manufactured in India under technology-transfer and local production arrangements.
The decision highlights expanding defense ties between India and France ahead of the Emmanuel Macron visit. Officials in both countries have described the relationship as a strategic partnership, with defense collaboration forming a central pillar.
Emmanuel Macron and India-France Defense Cooperation
The Emmanuel Macron visit, scheduled from February 17 to 19, will include talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on defense, technology cooperation, and Indo-Pacific strategy. The approval of the Rafale package ahead of the Emmanuel Macron visit signals continuity in bilateral defense engagement.
France has emerged as a key supplier of advanced military equipment to India. The Rafale aircraft already form part of the Indian Air Force fleet. India previously inducted 36 Rafale jets under an earlier contract. In April 2026, New Delhi approved the acquisition of 26 carrier-capable Dassault Rafale M jets for the Indian Navy. With that decision, India became the first country outside France to operate the naval version of the aircraft.
The new reported order of 114 Rafale jets represents one of the largest fighter acquisitions in recent years. If finalized as reported, the arrangement would include substantial domestic production, reinforcing India’s efforts to expand its local defense manufacturing base.
Addressing Indian Air Force Squadron Shortfall
The fighter acquisition is intended to address operational gaps within the Indian Air Force. The force currently operates 29 squadrons, significantly below its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. A 2024 parliamentary report raised concerns over the pace of fleet depletion as legacy aircraft are retired.
In September 2025, the Indian Air Force retired two squadrons of MiG-21 fighters. Additional retirements are expected as older platforms approach the end of their service life. The Rafale aircraft are intended to replace aging fleets and maintain operational readiness.
During the 2025 conflict with Pakistan, India deployed Rafale aircraft in combat operations. At least one jet was reportedly lost in an engagement involving Pakistan’s Chinese-origin Chengdu J-10 fighters. The experience reinforced the need for sustained modernization and fleet strength.
Broader Scope of the $40 Billion Package
The 3.6 trillion rupee package extends beyond fighter jets. It includes the procurement of additional Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the navy. These aircraft enhance maritime domain awareness, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
The package also covers the acquisition of anti-tank mines for ground forces and upgrades to Soviet-origin armored platforms, including T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles. These upgrades are aimed at extending service life and improving battlefield capabilities.
Together, the measures represent a broad modernization effort across air, land, and sea forces. The Emmanuel Macron visit comes at a time when India is expanding both procurement and domestic production under technology-transfer agreements.
Emmanuel Macron Visit to Expand Strategic Talks
During the Emmanuel Macron visit, the French president and Prime Minister Modi are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in defense and emerging technologies. The two leaders will also jointly launch the India-France Year of Innovation.
In addition, both sides will participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The agenda reflects efforts to deepen collaboration beyond traditional defense ties, covering digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and Indo-Pacific security coordination.
The Emmanuel Macron visit underscores the evolving strategic partnership between India and France. The approval of the $40 billion defense package ahead of the visit reinforces the central role of defense cooperation in bilateral relations.
As India seeks to modernize its armed forces and address capability gaps, and as France continues to position itself as a long-term defense partner, the Emmanuel Macron visit is set to mark another step in strengthening institutional and industrial ties between the two countries.
