An Indian government panel has given preliminary approval for the purchase of additional Rafale fighter jets and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, in deals worth billions of dollars, according to India’s defence ministry. The acquisitions are part of a broader defence package valued at 3.6 trillion rupees ($39.74 billion).
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared an 'acceptance of necessity' for 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets from France and six P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft from the United States, an Indian official with direct knowledge of the matter told the Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.
India already operates two squadrons of Rafale jets and last year signed a deal for 26 marine variants for the navy. It also uses Boeing P-8I aircraft for reconnaissance in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Air Force currently has 29 fighter squadrons, well short of the 42 previously endorsed by the government.
The panel’s approval is a key preliminary step, but the deals now require clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Rafale deal is expected to be announced as early as next week, coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India for an international summit on artificial intelligence.
The defence ministry stated that the procurement of multi-role fighter jets will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s deterrence capabilities, with the majority of the aircraft to be manufactured in India. The P-8I aircraft will enhance maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean, amid growing Chinese naval activities.
