India, Feb. 13 -- The defence acquisition council (DAC) on Thursday cleared the purchase of military hardware worth Rs.3.6 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale fighter jets, six P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft, SCALP deep-strike cruise missiles and high-altitude pseudo-satellites, to sharpen the military's combat readiness.

The procurement of Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) will enhance the Indian Air Force's capability to undertake air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict, and significantly strengthen deterrence with long-range offensive strikes, the defence ministry said, announcing the proposals cleared by the DAC.

"The majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India," it said. France is ...