New Delhi, India — February 8 , 2026
India and France are poised to take a major step forward in their strategic defense partnership, with a crucial decision on the proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets expected ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
President Macron is scheduled to visit India from February 18 to February 20, primarily to participate in an Artificial Intelligence Summit, but the trip could also coincide with significant progress on one of India’s largest-ever defense procurement plans.
🛡️ Defense Acquisition Council Meeting Expected
According to official sources, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC)—chaired by India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh—is likely to meet during the second week of February.
The most significant proposal on the agenda is expected to be the procurement of 114 Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The council may grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the first formal step toward finalizing a defense purchase.
✈️ 114 Rafale Jets Deal: What We Know So Far
Aircraft: Dassault Rafale
Proposed Quantity: 114 fighter jets
Estimated Deal Value: ₹3.25 lakh crore (approx.)
Purpose: Strengthening the Indian Air Force’s combat capability and replacing aging aircraft fleets
If approved, the deal would mark one of the largest fighter aircraft procurements in India’s defense history and significantly deepen India–France military cooperation.
🇮🇳🇫🇷 Strategic Significance of the Deal
India and France have steadily expanded their defense collaboration over the past decade, including joint military exercises, technology transfers, and defense manufacturing cooperation. The Rafale platform already serves as a cornerstone of India’s air power following earlier acquisitions.
Defense analysts note that approving the Rafale proposal ahead of President Macron’s visit would send a strong strategic signal about the growing trust and alignment between New Delhi and Paris.
🌍 Macron’s Visit Beyond Defense
While defense cooperation is expected to feature prominently, Macron’s India visit will also focus on:
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
Clean energy and climate cooperation
Strategic and Indo-Pacific collaboration
Officials stress that discussions will span multiple sectors, reflecting the broad-based nature of India–France relations.
🔍 What Comes Next
If the DAC grants Acceptance of Necessity, detailed negotiations on pricing, offsets, manufacturing participation, and delivery timelines would follow. Government sources caution that no final decision has yet been announced, and all steps will follow established procurement procedures.
