Defence Acquisition Council clears proposal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Defence Acquisition Council approved a proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation to bolster India's aerial capabilities.
Background
The deal includes 18 fly-away jets for immediate operational needs and 96 jets to be manufactured in India. This procurement will bring India's total Rafale aircraft count to 176.
Facts for Prelims
- FactTotal Rafale aircraft in India after the deal: 176
- FactNumber of Rafale jets to be manufactured in India: 96
- FactNumber of fly-away jets for immediate operational needs: 18
- BodyDefence Acquisition Council: Body responsible for approving defence procurement proposals
- PostCabinet Committee on Security (CCS): Chaired by the Prime Minister
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of 'Make in India' initiatives in the defence procurement process and their role in achieving strategic autonomy.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Indigenization balance: Balancing immediate operational requirements with long-term domestic manufacturing goals
- Strategic autonomy: Reducing import dependency through localized production of high-tech aerospace components
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Indigenization · Defence Procurement · Make in India · Aerospace Manufacturing
More Science & Technology notes
- Visualising AI spending: How does it compare with history’s mega projects? · 19 February 2026
- Bill Gates pulls out of India AI summit; anger mounts over organisational lapses · 19 February 2026
- India not just a part of AI revolution, but leading it: PM Modi · 19 February 2026
- Watch: Troubled waters: On the Great Nicobar Project · 19 February 2026
- Google to build new subsea connections from India in AI push · 18 February 2026
- AI Summit: Deepmind CEO says AI to revolutionise science and medicine · 18 February 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.