'Make in India’ Rafales, missiles, spy planes: What’s driving India’s rapid military expansion?

Jayanta KalitaTIMESOFINDIA.COM
Feb 16, 2026 | 15:04 IST

With an estimated outlay of ₹3.6 trillion, this marks India’s largest-ever defence procurement programme. The plan combines near-term operational capability with long-term defence industrial objectives, in line with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative

The Modi government has approved the acquisition of 114 French-origin Rafale fighter jets, the majority of which will be manufactured in India, amid heightened regional tensions and a steady decline in the Indian Air Force’s combat squadron strength.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also cleared the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft for the Navy and anti-tank mines for the Army. With an estimated outlay of ₹3.6 trillion, this marks India’s largest-ever defence procurement programme.
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