When will the deal for 114 Rafale, 60 MTA aircraft, and AEW&C be completed? The Ministry of Defense informed the parliamentary committee.

News Topical, Digital Desk : To enhance the strength of the Indian Air Force, India is preparing to complete several major contracts in the financial year 2026-27. These include the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets, up to 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), and additional Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, the Ministry of Defence informed a parliamentary committee.

"The capital budget of the Indian Air Force has been increased by 37.03% compared to the Budget Estimates for 2025-26," the ministry told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. "The allocated funds are planned to be used for some major new projects, such as the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (referring to the proposed Rafale deal), Combat Enablers, Medium Transport Aircraft, and Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance RPA, besides meeting existing and essential liabilities," the ministry said.

Approval given in February

In February this year, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of 114 Rafale jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. The proposed deal for these jets and military equipment is estimated to cost approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore.

Under the MRFA model, the new Rafale aircraft will be manufactured in India by the French company Dassault Aviation in collaboration with an Indian partner. "Keeping in mind the modernisation of the armed forces, especially in the current geopolitical scenario, the Committee urges the Air Force to effectively utilise the funds allocated for modernisation and technological upgradation in the procurement of weapons and other critical platforms," ​​the report said.

The Defence Acquisition Board recently approved a plan to procure 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the IAF at an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore.

What is the purpose of the program?

The program aims to replace the aging An-32 fleet, requiring 12 aircraft in "fly-away" condition and 48 to be built domestically. The main contenders include the Embraer C-390 Millennium, the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, and the European Airbus Defence and Space's A-400M.

"Critical combat-support assets such as AEWACs, flight refuellers, and specialized electronic intelligence and surveillance platforms are crucial... These systems not only enhance our intelligence and communications capabilities on the battlefield, but also provide commanders with information on modern electronic warfare systems. All these combat-related intelligence systems are highly effective platforms for enhancing the combat capability of the three services," the ministry told the committee.

The Committee was also informed that the IAF is committed to self-reliance and is providing full support to national objectives.

Read More: Women's reservation will be implemented only from 2029... The government will introduce an amendment bill in the budget session, discussions are going on with the opposition.