India’s Mega 114 Rafale Jet Plan: Defence Update for NDA Exam Preparation (10 February 2026)
Hey juniors, another big-ticket defence move just dropped today – and it’s perfect current-affairs fodder for your NDA prep!
News Highlights The Defence Ministry has kicked off discussions to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France at an estimated cost of Rs 3.25 lakh crore – India’s single-largest defence procurement ever.
The package includes 88 single-seater and 26 twin-seater aircraft. Of these, 18 jets will come in fly-away condition; the remaining ~96 will be manufactured in India under a government-to-government deal between Dassault Aviation and Indian partners (Tata Advanced Systems is already lined up for fuselage sections).
Initial indigenous content is pegged at ~30 %, expected to cross 60 % as production ramps up. A dedicated MRO facility for the M-88 engines will come up in Hyderabad.
The proposal has cleared the Defence Procurement Board and will soon go to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India later this month. Final nod will come from the Cabinet Committee on Security. Deliveries are targeted to begin by 2030.
Once in service, India’s total Rafale fleet will touch 176 aircraft (36 IAF + 26 Navy Rafale-M already ordered). This will give the IAF a massive boost – it is currently operating only ~30 squadrons against the sanctioned 42, while facing high-threat environments on both fronts.
Why This Matters for NDA Aspirants
Rafale has been a favourite topic in NDA GS and SSB interviews for years – from MMRCA saga to “Make in India” offsets, Indo-French strategic partnership, and air-power modernisation. Today’s news directly updates your file on IAF squadron strength, technology transfer, and how India is bridging capability gaps till AMCA and Tejas Mk1A fully mature. Expect questions like “How does Rafale complement Su-30MKI?” or “What is the role of DAC in defence acquisitions?” in your written exam and interview.
Quick Practice MCQs
1. What is the estimated cost of the proposed 114 Rafale acquisition?
a) ₹2.86 lakh crore
b) ₹3.25 lakh crore
c) ₹4.10 lakh crore
d) ₹1.95 lakh crore
Answer: b
2. How many Rafale jets are planned to be manufactured in India under the deal?
a) 18
b) 26
c) 96
d) 114
Answer: c
Stay sharp, keep reading one solid defence story every day – that’s how toppers build their edge. If you want structured daily current-affairs sessions tailored for NDA written + SSB, check out Ground Zero Defence Academy – the best NDA coaching in Dehradun for real-time exam guidance.
All the best, crack that NDA! 💪 See you in the academy soon!