Several major defence proposals are expected to be reviewed by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) at its likely Thursday meeting. These include the Rs 3.25 lakh crore plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, the purchase of additional Scalp cruise missiles, six more P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft from the United States, and a large stock of missiles for the Sudarshan S-400 air defence system.

The meeting, to be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, may also approve an indigenous project to acquire around one lakh Vibhav point-attack anti-tank mines developed by DRDO. India’s proposed 114 Rafale deal, often described as the largest defence agreement in the country’s history, would be significantly bigger than any previous military contract. The Indian Air Force is also planning to expand its Scalp missile inventory for its existing Rafale fleet.

The DAC is likely to consider a roughly USD 3 billion proposal to procure six more P-8I aircraft from the US for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations. Approval may also be granted to issue a tender for procuring missiles for the Sudarshan air defence system under intergovernmental agreements with Russia. The system reportedly performed successfully during Operation Sindoor. Proposals related to upgrading the Indian Army’s armoured vehicle fleet are also expected to be part of the discussions.