India Sets Deadline for Major Fighter Jet Deals: 114 Rafale, 60 MTA, AEW&C

• India aims to finalize key defense deals by financial year 2026-27 to bolster its air power.
• Deals include acquiring 114 Rafale fighter jets, 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), and additional Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems.
• The Ministry of Defence informed a parliamentary panel about the plan and increased capital budget for the Air Force.
• The 114 Rafale aircraft deal, estimated at 3.25 lakh crore rupees, will involve manufacturing in India by Dassault Aviation and an Indian partner.
• The 60 MTA deal, worth 1 lakh crore rupees, aims to replace the aging An-32 fleet, with 48 aircraft to be manufactured locally.