114 Rafale jets, 60 transport aircraft, AEW&C, Tejas MK1A deals to be finalised this year in IAF modernisation push
Key proposals include the procurement of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft, up to 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA), and additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.
“There is an increase of 37.03% in IAF’s capital budget as compared to budget estimates for 2025-26. The allotted funds are planned to be utilised against some of the major new schemes like multi-role fighter aircraft (referring to proposed Rafale deal), combat enablers (AEW&C, Tejas MK1A), Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and medium-altitude long-endurance RPA (remotely piloted aircraft), in addition to the ongoing committed liabilities,” the ministry told the committee in its report tabled in the Lok Sabha.
114 Rafale jets under MRFA programme
In February, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jet under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. The deal, including associated military hardware, is estimated to cost around Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
Under the proposed model, the jets will be manufactured in India by Dassault Aviation in partnership with an Indian firm. The committee stressed the importance of effectively utilising funds to accelerate modernisation and technological upgrades in light of evolving geopolitical challenges.
Medium transport aircraft to replace ageing fleet
The government has also cleared a plan to procure 60 medium transport aircraft at an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore. The programme aims to replace the ageing Antonov An-32 fleet.
Of the proposed aircraft, 12 are expected to be acquired in fly-away condition, while 48 will be manufactured in India. Leading contenders for the deal include the Embraer C-390 Millennium, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, and Airbus A400M.
IAF to induct over 180 Tejas Mk1A jets, fleet to cross 200 by 2033
The Indian Air Force is set to acquire a total of 180 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets after approving an additional order of 97 aircraft in late 2025 to strengthen its squadron strength. This comes on top of an earlier order of 83 Mk1A fighters, along with previous Mk1 variants, taking the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) fleet beyond 200. Deliveries of the Mk1A variant are expected to continue until around 2033.
Focus on combat enablers and surveillance systems
The defence ministry highlighted the critical role of combat enablers such as AEW&C systems, flight refuellers, and electronic intelligence and surveillance platforms in modern warfare.
“Critical combat enablers like AEWACs, flight refuellers and special electronic intelligence and surveillance platforms are vital… These systems not only enhance our intelligence and battlefield transmission but also provide commanders with modern warfare’s electronic order of battle information. All these combat intelligence systems are extremely effective platforms for enhancing the combat capability of all three services,” the ministry said.
Push for indigenisation and innovation
The committee was also informed that the IAF is advancing efforts towards self-reliance. As part of this push, the force has established a new Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) to drive innovation and indigenous capability development.
“In order to spearhead innovation and indigenisation, the IAF has formed a new directorate, named Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD). This directorate actively interacts with industries, R&D institutions and academia to ascertain niche technologies in the aerospace domain and evolve modus operandi to convert them into tactical and strategic war fighting solutions, utilising indigenous resources,” the report noted.
(With inputs from TOI)
