India Clears Purchase of Over $40B in Defence Equipment Including French Jets

NEW DELHI — The Indian defence ministry has given the green light for a $39 billion package to bolster its military arsenal, with the purchase of more than 100 new French Rafale fighter jets front and center. This move comes just days before President Emmanuel Macron’s imminent visit to India.

The decision marks an important step in India’s strategic partnership with France, which has grown increasingly significant over the past decade as New Delhi seeks to reduce its reliance on Russia for military equipment. Underlining this shift, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has also liberalized laws to encourage private investments in domestic defense manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The approval of the 114 Rafale jets is part of a broader plan by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to enhance its combat capabilities and deter potential adversaries. The statement from the defence ministry emphasized that these new aircraft would significantly bolster IAF’s ability to engage in air dominance roles across all types of conflict.

“This procurement will certainly boost India’s deterrent capacities with long-range offensive strikes, making our forces more formidable,” said a top official. “The majority of these aircraft will be manufactured locally.”

This purchase is a testament to the growing economic and military ties between India and France, reflecting both countries’ strategic interests in maintaining strong defense partnerships. The announcement coincides with President Macron’s upcoming visit to New Delhi on February 17.

In recent years, India has also expanded its defense imports from other nations such as the United States, Israel, and France. Notably, since 2015, India has already acquired 26 Rafale jets worth around $8.7 billion, with plans for additional deliveries to be finalized shortly.

However, not all is positive in this evolving strategic landscape. A significant military confrontation between India and Pakistan took place from May 23-27, 2025, during which six Indian fighter jets—two of them Rafale planes—were destroyed by Pakistani forces. This latest acquisition could be seen as a proactive move by the Modi government to strengthen its defenses against potential threats.

As President Macron arrives in India with his team set to meet with key defense officials and other high-ranking military personnel, the focus remains on bolstering bilateral defense cooperation, ensuring technological innovation, and solidifying strategic alliances for mutual benefit.