The Strategic Trifecta: 114 Rafales, P-8I Poseidons, and Indigenous Engines Get the Green Light
The Strategic Trifecta: 114 Rafales, P-8I Poseidons, and Indigenous Engines Get the Green Light By The News Streak (Rama Shankar Shukla ) February 13, 2026 In what is being described as a "tectonic shift" in India’s defense posture, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, cleared a massive wave of procurements yesterday. From the skies to the deep seas, the February 12 clearances address critical capability gaps while setting the stage for 2030-era warfare. Here is a deep dive into the three pillars of this landmark announcement. 1. The Sky: 114 "Super Rafales" for the IAF The biggest headline is the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). While the competition saw many global contenders, the "Eurasian Times" reports that the Rafale F5 standard is the decisive factor that will give the Indian Air Force (IAF) a 6th-gen edge. • The "6th-Gen-Like" Leap: The F5 (or "Sup...