What is the common examiner trap about Security & Defence in UPSC exams?

They may ask which body gives 'final approval' (CCS, not DAC) or swap the numbers (e.g., 26 jets for IAF instead of Navy). Another trap is asking about the 'first' Rafale deal (36 jets in 2016) versus the 'new' proposal (114 jets).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Security & Defence for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 114 total jets, 18 in fly-away condition, 36 currently with IAF. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for clearance; Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval. 3. Target this Legal Point: The procurement follows the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), now replaced by the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

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News 20 of 29

Defence Acquisition Council Approves Purchase of 114 Rafale Jets, 18 in Fly-Away Condition

Q: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which cleared the Rafale proposal, is chaired by which of the following?

Defence Minister of India, The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body for defence procurement in India. It is chaired by the Defence Minister, as per the Defence Acquisition Procedure. The Prime Minister chairs the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which gives final approval to such deals.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the recent proposal to buy Rafale jets: 1. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the proposal to buy 114 Rafale jets from France. 2. All 114 aircraft in this deal are to be manufactured in India under the 'Make in India' initiative. 3. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is the final authority that must approve this deal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as per the news. Statement 2 is incorrect because only 96 jets are to be manufactured in India, while 18 will be supplied in fly-away condition. Statement 3 is correct; the CCS, chaired by the Prime Minister, is the final approving authority for such major defence acquisitions.

Q: According to the news, how many Rafale fighter jets does the Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operate, prior to the new proposal for 114 jets?

36, The article clearly states that the Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets. The number 26 refers to the naval variant ordered by the Indian Navy last year. 114 is the number in the new proposal, and 176 would be the total fleet after this deal is completed.

Q: What is a primary strategic objective behind the proposed structure of the Rafale deal (18 fly-away, 96 made in India)?

To balance immediate operational requirements with long-term indigenization of defence manufacturing., The structure addresses two needs: the 18 jets in fly-away condition meet the Indian Air Force's immediate operational gap, while manufacturing 96 jets in India promotes technology transfer and strengthens the domestic defence industrial base under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) policy.

Security & Defence Polity Intl. RelationsHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

12 Feb 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:114 jets18 fly-away condition176 total fleet36 IAF jets26 naval variants2026-02-12

Bodies:Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)Indian Air ForceIndian Navy

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given its nod for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation.

2.The deal includes 18 jets in fly-away condition for immediate operational needs and the remaining 96 to be manufactured in India, boosting domestic defence production.

3.The clearance strategically precedes French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, setting the stage for final commercial negotiations and CCS approval.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

In a major defence acquisition move, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. This deal, valued at billions, aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's combat readiness and involves significant 'Make in India' component. The final approval now rests with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), with the deal set to be a key agenda during the upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total Jets Proposed114

Jets in Fly-Away Condition18

Current IAF Rafale Fleet36

Indian Navy Rafale Order (2025)26

Final Approving BodyCabinet Committee on Security (CCS)

1-Minute Revision

›Total Jets Proposed: 114
›Jets in Fly-Away Condition: 18
›Target this Data: 114 total jets, 18 in fly-away condition, 36 currently with IAF.
›Target this Nodal Body: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for clearance; Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval.
›Target this Legal Point: The procurement follows the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), now replaced by the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

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News Snapshot

✈️

Strategic Acquisition

The DAC has cleared the proposal to acquire 114 advanced Rafale fighter jets from France to enhance India's air combat capabilities.

🇮🇳

Make in India Push

While 18 jets will be bought off-the-shelf, 96 will be manufactured in India, aligning with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in defence.

🤝

Diplomatic Timing

The clearance strategically precedes French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, paving the way for high-level discussions to finalize the multi-billion dollar deal.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

This proposal is part of India's ongoing efforts to modernize its ageing fighter jet fleet and address the depletion of squadrons. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 36 Rafale jets acquired in a 2016 deal, which have proven their mettle. The Navy also ordered 26 naval variants in 2025. This new deal is critical for the IAF to maintain a credible deterrent against a two-front threat scenario.

Core Analysis & Implications

The deal structure (18 fly-away, 96 made in India) balances immediate operational urgency with long-term indigenization goals. It will deepen strategic ties with France, a key defence partner, and involves technology transfer, boosting India's aerospace ecosystem. However, the high cost (estimated over $20 billion) will be scrutinized for fiscal prudence. It also signals India's continued preference for diversified sourcing of military hardware.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, must grant final approval. Following this, intricate commercial and technical negotiations with Dassault Aviation will commence. The deal's progress will be closely watched during President Macron's visit. Successful execution will significantly enhance IAF's strength, taking the total Rafale fleet across services to 176 aircraft, and set a benchmark for future strategic partnerships in defence manufacturing.

Key Facts at a Glance

Total Jets Proposed114

Jets in Fly-Away Condition18

Current IAF Rafale Fleet36

Indian Navy Rafale Order (2025)26

Final Approving BodyCabinet Committee on Security (CCS)

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which cleared the Rafale proposal, is chaired by which of the following?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the recent proposal to buy Rafale jets:

1. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the proposal to buy 114 Rafale jets from France.

2. All 114 aircraft in this deal are to be manufactured in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.

3. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is the final authority that must approve this deal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

According to the news, how many Rafale fighter jets does the Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operate, prior to the new proposal for 114 jets?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

What is a primary strategic objective behind the proposed structure of the Rafale deal (18 fly-away, 96 made in India)?

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Defence Acquisition Council Approves Purchase of 114 Rafale Jets, 18 in Fly-Away Condition

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Strategic Acquisition

Make in India Push

Diplomatic Timing

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance