Bhubaneswar, Feb. 12 -- In a significant move aimed at strengthening India's aerial combat capability, the government has cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets in a mega deal valued at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore. The approval, granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks one of the largest fighter aircraft acquisitions in the country's history. The development comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit later this month.

Defence sources said the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the ambitious programme. The Defence Procurement Board, chaired by the Defence Secretary, had already cleared the proposal last month, paving the way for formal negotiati...