India, March 23 -- India is likely to conclude several big contracts in the financial year 2026-27 to sharpen the air force's combat edge, including contracts for buying 114 Rafale fighter jets, up to 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA) and additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems, the defence ministry told a parliamentary panel.

"There is an increase of 37.03% in the Indian Air Force's capital budget as compared to budget estimates for 2025-26. The allotted funds are planned to be utilised against some of the major new schemes like MRFA [a reference to the Rafale purchase], combat enablers (AEW&C, LCA Mk-1A), MTA, and medium-altitude long-endurance RPA [remotely piloted aircraft], in addition to the ongoing committed...