In what is being described as the single largest defense acquisition clearance in Indian history, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has officially greenlit a ₹3.60 lakh crore roadmap to revitalize the nation’s combat readiness.
This decision, announced on February 12, 2026, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, arrives at a critical juncture. With the IAF’s squadron strength dipping to just 29—the lowest since the 1960s—the government has doubled down on the French Rafale as the backbone of India’s long-range deterrence.
Also Read | Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
Restoring the Skies: Why 114 More Rafales?
The selection of 114 additional Rafales under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program marks the end of a 13-year search for a heavy-weight fighter.
Operational Urgency: 18 jets will be delivered in fly-away condition to immediately bolster frontier bases like Ambala and Hasimara.
Commonality: By standardizing on the Rafale (already used by the IAF and recently ordered by the Navy in April 2025), the military significantly reduces long-term maintenance and training costs.
The “Sindoor” Effect: Internal assessments following Operation Sindoor in 2025 proved that the Rafale’s electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities are unmatched in the current regional landscape.
The AS-HAPS Revolution: Satellite Power Without the Rockets
Perhaps the most futuristic element of the deal is the procurement of Air-Ship Based High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (AS-HAPS).
Stratospheric Persistence: Operating at 18–20 km altitude, these solar-powered platforms can stay airborne for months, filling the gap between short-term drones and expensive orbital satellites.
“Towers in the Sky”: They provide real-time, high-resolution surveillance of the northern borders (Doklam and Ladakh) at a fraction of the cost of satellite launches.
Indigenous Roots: Much of this technology is being developed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru, signaling a shift toward home-grown high-tech ISR.
Also Read | Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
Lethality Boost: SCALP Missiles and Stand-Off Precision
The ₹3.60 lakh crore package isn’t just about platforms; it is about “teeth.”
SCALP Missiles: The DAC has cleared a dedicated budget for additional SCALP deep-strike cruise missiles, allowing IAF pilots to hit targets hundreds of kilometers away without entering enemy airspace.
S-400 Replenishment: Separate reports indicate the DAC is also clearing ₹10,000 crore to replenish S-400 interceptors used during the 2025 skirmishes.
Industrial Impact: The “Make in India” Roadmap
Of the 114 Rafales, 96 will be manufactured domestically. This is not a mere assembly project.
Strategic Partnership: Dassault Aviation is expected to partner with a major Indian firm (likely Tata or HAL) to establish a full ecosystem for components and maintenance.
Indigenous Content: The deal mandates a minimum of 50% indigenous content, aiming to integrate Indian avionics and weapons into the French airframe.
Also Read | Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
[DEFENCE DEAL COMPOSITION: FEB 2026]
| Equipment Category | Quantity/Type | Estimated Cost (₹ Cr) |
| MRFA (Rafale) | 114 Units | ~3,25,000 |
| AS-HAPS Platforms | Multi-unit fleet | ~15,000 |
| Combat Missiles | SCALP/BrahMos-NG | ~12,000 |
| Naval Assets | P-8I & Gas Turbines | ~8,000 |
Next Steps
If you are a technology or defense sector investor, you should watch for the February 17, 2026, meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron, where the formal Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) framework is expected to be detailed. Furthermore, if you are interested in the industrial fallout, you should look for the upcoming Expression of Interest (EoI) for the domestic manufacturing plant location, which will trigger massive local ancillary opportunities.
Also Read | Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
End….
