Indian government approves $39.75B worth of defense projects, including acquisition of Rafale jets

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – The Indian Defense Ministry on Thursday approved $39.75 billion worth of defense projects, including the fresh acquisition of Rafale jets from France, according to an official statement.

The country's Defense Acquisition Council granted "acceptance of necessity" for various defense service proposals valued at approximately 3.6 trillion Indian rupees (about $39.75 billion), the ministry said, adding that the approvals granted for key "capability enhancements across the defense forces."

The approvals included the purchase of multi-role combat aircraft (Rafale), combat missiles, and an airship-based high-altitude pseudo-satellite.

India will procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework from France, Press Trust of India reported.

The approval for the Rafale jet procurement came just days before French President Emmanuel Macron visits India on Feb. 17-19 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Modi.

During the visit, both leaders will discuss "strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas," according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Macron will also attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Feb. 19.

Defense clearances included approvals for the procurement of anti-tank mines and T-72 tanks for the Indian Army. The Indian Navy has received approval for the procurement of P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, among other projects, according to the Defense Ministry.

Early in Sept, 2016, India signed an agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets for $8.8 billion. In 2020, the Rafale jets were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force.