{"id":132904,"date":"2026-02-13T19:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=132904"},"modified":"2026-02-13T18:35:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:05:24","slug":"india-approves-39-7-billion-approves-deal-to-buy-new-rafale-jets-p-8is-and-do-228","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/india-approves-39-7-billion-approves-deal-to-buy-new-rafale-jets-p-8is-and-do-228\/","title":{"rendered":"India Approves $39.7 Billion Approves Deal to Buy New Rafale Jets, P-8Is and Do-228"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DELHI-<\/strong> New Delhi has granted formal approval for a sweeping defense procurement plan that covers additional Rafale fighter jets<\/a>, Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, and more locally built Dornier Do 228<\/a> aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The approval was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council<\/a>, which issued an Acceptance of Necessity for defence purchases valued at approximately INR 3.6 trillion, or about $39.7 billion. This step allows the government to move forward with tendering, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations across multiple major programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"India
Photo: Dassault Aviation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rafale Fighter Expansion for IAF<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Indian Air Force is set to benefit significantly from the approval, which includes an unspecified number of additional Rafale fighters under the long-running Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft requirement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian media reports suggest the acquisition could involve around 114 aircraft, aligning with the air force\u2019s projected squadron needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the May 2025 conflict with Pakistan, India<\/a> operated 36 Rafale fighters acquired through an earlier government-to-government deal. The new procurement aims to enhance air dominance capabilities while also supporting long-range strike missions and overall deterrence posture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials stated that most of the new fighter aircraft will be manufactured in India, reinforcing domestic aerospace production. The package also includes combat missiles designed to improve stand-off attack capability with high accuracy and extended reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Clemens Vasters, Wikimedia
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Indian_Navy_P-8I.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

India’s Maritime Surveillance Boost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Defence Acquisition Council approval also covers additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy. While the exact number was not disclosed officially, reports indicate that six aircraft are likely to be procured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India currently operates 12 P-8I aircraft, which play a critical role in long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and maritime strike missions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The platform incorporates several locally produced systems, supporting operational sovereignty and sustainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Flight Global<\/a>, the acquisitions build on earlier approvals, including a 2021 clearance by the United States for a deal covering six P-8I aircraft valued at $2.42 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navy officials say the expanded fleet will significantly strengthen monitoring of the Indian Ocean Region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: \tAnk kumar | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Mig_21,_IAF,_Hindustan_Aeronautics_Limited_01.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Indigenous Aircraft Orders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alongside high-value imports, New Delhi has also reinforced its commitment to indigenous manufacturing. The defence ministry has signed a separate INR 23.1 billion contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for eight additional Do 228 aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Coast Guard and equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensor systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Do 228 fleet is widely used for coastal surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime patrol missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"India
Photo: Dassault Aviation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aviation data indicates that the Indian Coast Guard already operates 33 Do 228 aircraft, all produced domestically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new order will further standardize the fleet and enhance coastal security coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The approvals come shortly before a scheduled official visit to India by French President Emmanuel Macron between February 17 and 19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysts view the timing as notable, given France\u2019s role as the Rafale manufacturer and a key defense partner for India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dassault Rafale Fighter Jets Will Be Made in India by 150+ Year Old Company<\/a><\/blockquote>