'Make in India’ Rafales, missiles, spy planes: What’s driving India’s rapid military expansion?
- Jayanta Kalita
- TIMESOFINDIA.COMUpdated: Feb 16, 2026, 15:04 IST IST
The Modi government has approved the acquisition of 114 French-origin Rafale fighter jets, the majority of which will be manufactured in India, amid heightened regional tensions and a steady decline in the Indian Air Force’s combat squadron strength.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also cleared the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft for the Navy and anti-tank mines for the Army. With an estimated outlay of ₹3.6 trillion, this marks India’s largest-ever defence procurement programme.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also cleared the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft for the Navy and anti-tank mines for the Army. With an estimated outlay of ₹3.6 trillion, this marks India’s largest-ever defence procurement programme.
