NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government is poised to approve the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Maritime strike fighters as part of its continued focus on boosting India’s defense capabilities. The $7.6 billion deal is expected to be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) later this month, following which approval will be granted for three additional diesel-electric submarines to further strengthen India’s naval and deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The acquisition of Rafale-M fighters is aimed at enhancing the Indian Navy’s strength, particularly aboard India’s two aircraft carriers. The new submarines will bolster India’s conventional defense capabilities in the strategically crucial IOR. This deal comes as part of the Modi government’s push to increase capital expenditure on defense equipment, with over ₹2 lakh crore allocated in the 2024-25 budget.
In 2024-2025, the defense ministry signed 193 contracts worth ₹209,059.85 crore, a notable increase from 192 contracts in the previous fiscal year valued at ₹104,855.92 crore. Since 2014, when the Modi government took office, over 1,000 contracts totaling nearly ₹10 lakh crore have been signed, reflecting a strong push for military modernization.
In addition, the defense ministry has emphasized “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), pushing for greater accountability in defense public sector undertakings like HAL and BEL. With growing concerns over regional security, particularly with China’s upgraded infrastructure along the 3488 km LAC, the government has made military capacity building a priority, with a focus on indigenous defense production.
Tags: Northlines, Narendra Modi, Rafale-M fighters
