Fighter Jet Deal in Budget? Sitharaman's Role & Defence Procurement Explained

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive budget on February 1, with high hopes for growth acceleration.
• Media reports speculate an announcement regarding Russia's Sukhoi-57 (SU-57) fighter jet deal, but this is unlikely during the budget speech.
• The Finance Minister allocates a lump sum 'Capital Outlay' for defence modernization, not specific weapon purchases.
• Actual weapon procurement announcements are made by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approval.
• Major deals, like the 114 Rafale deal, require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister.

Why It Matters: Finance Minister allocates defence funds; MoD handles specific fighter jet procurement announcements.