114 Rafale, 60 MTA aircraft, AEW&C deal to be concluded by 2026-27: Defense Ministry tells parliamentary panel

NEW DELHI: To bolster the capabilities of the Indian Air Force, India will sign several large contracts in the financial year 2026-27, including a deal to purchase 114 aircraft Rafale fighter jetThe Ministry of Defense told a parliamentary panel that there would be up to 60 medium transport aircraft (MTAs) and additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.“With 2025-26 The capital budget of the Indian Air Force has increased by 37.03 per cent compared to the 2018 budget estimates. The allocated funds are planned for major new programs such as multi-role fighter aircraft (referring to the proposed Rafale deal), combat support aircraft (AEW&C, Tejas MK1A), medium transport aircraft (MTA) and medium altitude long endurance RPA (Remotely Piloted) aircraft), in addition to ongoing responsibilities,” the ministry told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense, which submitted its latest report in the Lok Sabha last week.In February this year, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program; the proposed jets along with military hardware deal is expected to cost around Rs 325 crore. Under the MRFA model, the new Rafale fighter jets will be manufactured in India by France’s Dassault Aviation in collaboration with Indian partners. “Considering the modernization of the Armed Forces, especially in the current geopolitical situation, the committee urges the Air Force to make full use of allocated funds for modernization and technology upgrades of weaponry and acquisition of other critical platforms,” ​​the report said.The Defense Procurement Council recently approved a plan to procure 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. The program, aimed at replacing the aging An-32 fleet, calls for 12 aircraft in flying condition and 48 to be manufactured locally. Top contenders include the Embraer C-390 Millennium, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Europe’s Airbus Defense and Space A-400M.“Critical combat support elements such as AWACS, flying tankers, and specialized electronic intelligence and surveillance platforms are critical… These systems not only enhance our intelligence and battlefield delivery capabilities, but also provide commanders with electronic battle order information for modern warfare. All of these combat intelligence systems are extremely effective platforms that enhance the warfighting capabilities of all three services,” the department told the committee.The committee was also informed that the Indian Air Force is committed to self-reliance and providing comprehensive support to national objectives. “To spearhead innovation and indigenization, the Indian Air Force has established a new directorate called Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD). The directorate actively interacts with industry, R&D institutions and academia to identify niche technologies in the aerospace sector and develop operational modalities to translate them into tactical and strategic warfighting solutions using indigenous resources,” the report said.