New Delhi: India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved Rs 3.60 lakh crore to enhance the combat readiness of defence forces. The approvals were granted on February 12, 2026 under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.The council granted first approval called Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a wide range of weapons, aircrafts and equipment for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Army, Navy, and Indian Coast Guard.
This is one of the biggest defence proposals in India’s history for the procurement of an additional 114 Rafale fighter jets, combat missiles, air-ship-based high-altitude pseudo satellites (AS-HAPS). It focuses on building self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by making many items in India and boosting the fighting power of the forces.
The move comes at a time when the IAF is facing a serious shortage of fighter jets. The retirement of the MiG-21 last year has brought the air force’s fighter squadron strength down to just 29, well short of the sanctioned strength of 42. This is the lowest the number has been since the 1960s. Each IAF squadron has between 16 and 20 aircraft.
The gap has become even more urgent after Operation Sindoor. An internal review following the operation found that India may need more fighter squadrons than the officially approved number to deal with future threats.
“The Defence Acquisition Council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the Services at an estimated value of about Rs 3.60 lakh crore. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), AoN was approved for the procurement of Rafale, Combat Missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS),” The defence ministry said in a press release.
Big Boost for the Indian Air Force
For the IAF, the council approved buying Rafale jets. Reports say India will get 114 more Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. The IAF already has 36 Rafale jets from an earlier deal in 2016.
Around 90 jets will be made in India for the first time outside France. This will help create jobs and bring advanced technology to the country.These jets will improve air control, allow long-range attacks, and make the IAF much stronger in any conflict.
Other approvals for the IAF include advanced combat missiles for accurate deep strikes from a safe distance, and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (AS-HAPS). These high-flying platforms will help with constant watch, intelligence gathering, electronic spying, communication, and remote sensing for military use.
Support for the Indian Army
The Indian Army will get Vibhav anti-tank mines to slow down enemy tanks and armoured vehicles. There is also approval to repair and upgrade old platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks, and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II). This will extend the life of these machines and keep the Army ready and effective.
Enhancements for the Indian Navy
The Navy will acquire 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generators under the Make-I category. This will reduce dependence on foreign companies and support self-reliance in power needs for ships.
It will also get six P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. These planes will greatly improve the Navy’s ability to hunt submarines, watch over the seas, and carry out strikes from far away.
Upgrade for the Indian Coast Guard
The Coast Guard will get Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems for its Dornier aircraft. This will make sea surveillance stronger and more effective.
The government says these steps will improve combat readiness, support long-term deterrence, and push for more local manufacturing. The payments will be spread over many years, and this AoN is the first step toward final deals.
In an era of rapidly evolving regional security threats, growing military modernisation by neighbouring countries, and increasing challenges along land, sea, and air domains, this historic Rs 3.60 lakh crore package marks a decisive step toward building a future-ready, self-reliant, and overwhelmingly capable Indian defence establishment. By addressing critical capability gaps especially in the Indian Air Force and investing heavily in indigenous production, India wants to send a clear message to the entire world that it is fully prepared to protect its sovereignty, secure its borders, and maintain peace through strength in the decades ahead.
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