Defence Acquisition Council to Deliberate Major India-US-France-Russia Deals

Yugcharan / 12-02-2026

New Delhi | Yugcharan News

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex body responsible for sanctions on major defence procurements, is meeting today with several high-value proposals expected to be discussed, including deals with the United States, France and Russia that could significantly shape the Indian armed forces’ capabilities. The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is being closely watched by defence observers and diplomatic circles for its potential impact on India’s military modernization and foreign partnerships.

Massive Fighter Aircraft Deal With France on the Agenda

At the top of the agenda is a prospective Rs 3.25 lakh crore plan to acquire 114 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft from France. This prospective acquisition has been described by officials as the “mother of all defence deals” because of its scale and strategic significance. The French-made Rafale jets would bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat strength, addressing long-standing gaps in squadron numbers amid broader modernisation plans.

Sources indicate that discussions will cover both procurement and potential industrial partnerships or technology transfers linked to this deal. The proposal is part of a larger multi-role fighter aircraft programme that the government has been examining as air force requirements evolve in response to changing regional security dynamics.

P-8I Surveillance Aircraft From the US

In addition to the French aircraft proposal, the DAC is expected to consider a proposal for the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft from the United States. These aircraft are designed for long-range reconnaissance and monitoring of naval approaches, enhancing India’s situational awareness in the Indian Ocean region. The deal is estimated at roughly USD 3 billion and would build on earlier purchases of P-8I aircraft already in service with the Indian Navy.

The proposed acquisition is seen as part of a deepening strategic partnership between India and the US on defence cooperation, spanning equipment interoperability, joint exercises and logistics support frameworks.

Russian Missile and Air Defence Systems

The DAC’s agenda reportedly also includes proposals involving Russian defence equipment, particularly missiles for the Sudarshan long-range air defence system. Under evolving intergovernmental agreements between New Delhi and Moscow, India is expected to issue tenders for procuring large quantities of these systems from Russian government agencies.

These air defence platforms are aimed at enhancing India’s capability to defend strategic assets and population centres from aerial threats. The Sudarshan system has been a focal point in discussions about layered air defence following India’s operational experiences in the region.

Indigenous Defence Projects and Mine Systems

Alongside foreign procurements, the DAC is expected to review proposals for indigenous defence projects. One key item is the purchase of approximately one lakh Vibhav point-attack anti-tank mines, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These mines are designed to counter armoured threats and support ground forces’ mobility and defence in varied terrains.

Officials say the inclusion of domestic projects in the DAC meeting underscores India’s ongoing focus on promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative, even as it advances strategic partnerships abroad.

Broader Defence Modernisation Context

The DAC meeting comes at a time when India is emphasising rapid modernisation of its military hardware following recent operational experiences and changing geopolitical priorities. The Indian Air Force has signalled an urgent need to expand its combat aircraft fleet to maintain deterrence and response capabilities. Similarly, naval and missile systems are being updated to respond to multifaceted threats in the maritime domain.

Deliberations at the DAC will be followed by subsequent approvals from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before contracts are finalised. Such decisions often involve extensive technical, financial and strategic considerations before reaching the implementation stage.

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

Observers note that the timing of the DAC meeting could carry diplomatic weight as well. India’s defence engagements with France and the US are layered with broader geopolitical cooperation on security, technology and industrial partnerships. A positive outcome on these proposals could reinforce India’s defence ties with key partners amid a shifting global security environment.

The potential discussion on missile procurements from Russia also reflects India’s longstanding defence relationship with Moscow, which has historically supplied a wide range of capabilities to the Indian armed forces and continues to play a role in India’s strategic calculus.

What to Expect Next

As the DAC meeting progresses, announcements on decisions taken are expected later today or in the coming days. Final approvals and contract negotiations will follow after CCS clearance, with timelines varying based on the complexity of procurement and negotiations.

India’s defence procurement trajectory — blending foreign equipment acquisition with domestic production and technology collaboration — reflects its effort to strengthen military readiness while advancing self-sufficiency goals in the defence industrial base.