India and France likely to ink pact for purchase and coproduction of Rafales during  French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India late next week

Ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India from February 17, The Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday gave initial clearance for a deal to induct of 114 Rafale fighter aircrafts, with planned production in India through technology transfer from the original manufacturer, Dassault Aviation. 

The deal, likely to cost around ₹3.25 lakh crore for 114 Rafales, had got a nod from Defence Acquisition Board last month.

The contract must be approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security before India and France ink the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircrafts, which will have indigenous weapon systems, ammunitions, and radars, during Macron’s visit.

The move will meet long standing demand of the IAF to bridge depleting strength at a time when threat perception post Operation Sindoor remains high. 

The DAC has also cleared procurement items required by the tri-services as this is the last quarter of this financial year.