114 Rafales, 60 MTA aircraft, AEW&C deals to be concluded in 2026-27: Defence ministry to parl panel | India News
NEW DELHI: To boost IAF strength, India is set to sign several major contracts in the 2026-27 financial year, including 114 procurement contracts. Rafale fighter jetsUp to 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA) and additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems, the defense ministry told a parliamentary panel.“The IAF’s capital budget has increased by 37.03% over the budget estimate for 2025-26. The allocated funds are planned to be utilized against some major new projects like Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (referring to the proposed Rafale deal), Combat Enablers (AEW&CM) and Aircraft Transport (Aircraft 1) and Aircraft 1 (Aircraft). Apart from ongoing committed liabilities Medium Altitude Long-Endurance RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft),” the ministry told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, which submitted its latest report in the Lok Sabha last week.In February this year, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of 114 Rafale jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme; The proposed deal for the jets with military hardware is expected to cost around Rs 3.25 lakh crore. Under the MRFA model, French company Dassault Aviation will manufacture the new Rafale in India in collaboration with an Indian partner. “In view of the modernization of the armed forces, especially in the current geopolitical scenario, the committee urges the Air Force to use the funds allocated for modernization and technological upgradation of weapons and procurement of other critical platforms in a profitable manner,” the report said.The Defense Acquisition Board recently cleared a plan to procure 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTAs) for the IAF, at an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore. The program aims to replace the aging An-32 fleet, which requires 12 aircraft in service and 48 locally manufactured. Top contenders include the Embraer C-390 Millennium, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and European Airbus Defense and Space’s A-400M.“Critical combat enablers such as AEWACs, flight refuelers and specialized electronic intelligence and surveillance platforms are essential… These systems not only enhance our intelligence and battlefield transmission but also provide commanders with modern warfare electronic warfare information. All these combat intelligence systems are highly functional platforms for highly effective platforms that enhance Captahan services. CommitteeThe committee was also told that the IAF is committed to self-reliance and is providing full support to national objectives. “To spearhead innovation and indigenization, the IAF has formed a new Directorate, the Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD). This Directorate actively interacts with industry, research and development organizations and academia to ensure that specialized technologies in the aerospace domain and develop approaches to transform them into strategic solutions for warfighting are indigenous assets,” the report said.
