Context:
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to deliberate on the procurement of additional Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) ahead of the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. The move aims to strengthen India’s air combat capabilities and defence cooperation with France.
Key Highlights:
- Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Discussion
- The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, may grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Rafale procurement.
- AoN is the first formal step in India’s defence procurement process.
- Requirement of Fighter Aircraft
- The IAF has projected the need for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft.
- Plan includes:
- Some aircraft in fly-away condition.
- Remaining manufactured in India with 30% indigenous content.
- Current Rafale Fleet
- India currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets.
- The Indian Navy will induct 26 Rafale-M jets for aircraft carrier operations.
- Addressing Squadron Shortfall
- The IAF currently has 29 fighter squadrons, while the sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons.
- Additional Rafale jets will help bridge the capability gap until indigenous aircraft programs mature.
- Defence Budget Allocation
- Defence modernization budget is expected to increase by around 22%.
- Approximately ₹0.63 lakh crore allocated for aircraft and aero-engines.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
- The highest decision-making body in India’s defence procurement process.
- Acceptance of Necessity (AoN):
- The initial approval indicating the need for a particular defence equipment.
- Does not guarantee final procurement.
- Rafale Fighter Aircraft:
- A 4.5 generation multirole fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation (France).
- Equipped with advanced avionics, radar, and missile systems.
- Fighter Squadron:
- A military aviation unit typically consisting of 12–24 aircraft and their crews.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Need for Air Force Modernization
- India faces evolving regional security challenges, particularly along the China and Pakistan fronts.
- Strengthening air power is critical for deterrence and rapid response capabilities.
- Role of Foreign Defence Partnerships
- Defence cooperation with France strengthens strategic ties.
- Joint defence projects enhance technology transfer and operational interoperability.
- Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
- Indigenous programs such as:
- LCA Mk1A
- LCA Mk2
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
aim to reduce reliance on imports.
- Strategic Importance of Air Power
- Air superiority is essential for:
- border security
- rapid military mobilization
- strategic deterrence.
Way Forward
- Accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Strengthen technology transfer in defence deals.
- Ensure balanced investment between imported systems and domestic innovation.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper II: International Relations – India–France strategic partnership.
- GS Paper III: Internal Security – Defence modernization and air power.
- Prelims: Defence procurement process, Rafale aircraft.