The Narendra Modi-led Indian government is poised to approve the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Maritime (M) fighter jets this month, signaling a continued emphasis on bolstering India’s naval air power. This move aligns with the government’s broader strategy of modernizing its armed forces through increased capital expenditure on defense equipment. The 2024-25 fiscal year has seen the NDA government allocate over ₹2 lakh crore towards this objective, reflecting a commitment to enhancing national security.
Sources reveal that the $7.6 billion fighter jet deal is all set to go before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) later this month and will be followed by government approval for three additional diesel electric submarines after all the stakeholders are brought on the same page. The Rafale-M fighters will be used to give more teeth to the Indian Navy at sea onboard India’s two aircraft carriers, while the additional submarines will strengthen conventional deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Rafale-M, a naval variant of the French-made Rafale fighter, is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. These aircraft are designed for carrier-based operations, providing a crucial edge in maritime security. The acquisition underscores India’s focus on securing its vast coastline and strategic sea lanes, especially in light of increasing geopolitical complexities.
The defence ministry signed 193 contracts in 2024-2025 with an outlay of ₹209059.85 crore as compared to 192 contracts worth ₹104855.92 crore in 2023-2024. Since the Narendra Modi government took office in 2014, the ministry has signed 1096 contracts worth nearly ₹10 ( ₹946225.48) lakh crore.
This procurement decision is part of a larger trend of prioritizing indigenous defense manufacturing alongside strategic foreign acquisitions. The government’s push for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in defense aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while simultaneously acquiring critical technologies. The Rafale-M deal, while involving foreign technology, is likely to include provisions for technology transfer and local manufacturing components, further supporting this goal.
The significant capital outlay on defense equipment highlights the government’s perception of evolving security challenges. The need to maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries, coupled with the imperative to safeguard maritime interests, drives these substantial investments. The Rafale-M acquisition represents a strategic move to ensure India’s naval dominance in the region, reinforcing its position as a key player in the Indo-Pacific.
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