A.K. Antony stated in 2014 that money was short for the MMRCA fighter jet deal?

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A.K. Antony did state in February 2014 that lack of funds prevented signing the MMRCA deal that fiscal year, and subsequent deals were signed under the Modi government. Contemporary reports from Rediff and BusinessLine confirm Defence Minister A.K. Antony stated in February 2014 that 92 percent of the modernisation budget was spent, pushing deal finalisation to the next fiscal year. Reports from Reuters, The Hindu, and PIB confirm the Modi administration subsequently signed agreements for 36 Rafale jets in 2016, the S-400 system in 2018, and 26 Rafale-M jets in 2025.

5 claims checked
4 sources
Checked 2 Nov 2026
Main source: Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau

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The Reel we checked

@chanakyafiles.in

Same country. Same Air Force. Two very different governments. 🇮🇳✈️ February 2014. UPA’s Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the nation the government didn’t have…

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What we checked

A.K. Antony stated in February 2014 that the government didn't have the money to sign the fighter jet deal that financial year.“admitting that there was no money to sign such a big deal in this fiscal”Govt probing complaints in mega combat aircraft deal - Rediff India News

A.K. Antony said in a video clip that negotiation is going on and due to a shortage of money this financial year, don't expect any finalization of the agreement.“admitting that there was no money to sign such a big deal in this fiscal”Govt probing complaints in mega combat aircraft deal - Rediff India News

India signed for 36 Rafale fighter jets in 2016.“India signed a deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France on Friday for around $8.7 billion”India signs deal for 36 French Rafale fighter jets to counter China, Pakistan squadrons | Reuters

India signed for the Russian S-400 air defence system in 2018.“On October 5, Indian President Narendra Modi signed a $5 billion deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system .”India Signs S-400 Purchase Deal | Missile Threat

India signed for 26 Rafale-M jets for the Navy in 2025.“The Governments of India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Aircraft (22 Single-Seater and four Twin-Seater) for the Indian Navy.”Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau

What we couldn't check

We couldn't find the full original video, so we can't say what was said just before or after this clip.

Our read of the video

The video clip features authentic news footage of Defence Minister A.K. Antony addressing a press conference in February 2014.

An AI assessment from the footage alone; watch the video and judge for yourself.

What the Reel doesn't tell you

Former Defence Minister A.K. Antony welcomed the arrival of Rafale jets in 2020 while urging transparency on procurement decisions (Economic Times).

Short version

✅ TRUE 👉 Contemporary reports from Rediff and BusinessLine confirm Defence Minister A.K. Antony stated in February 2014 that 92 percent of the modernisation budget was spent, pushing deal finalisation to the next fiscal year. 📰 Source: Rediff 🔎 Full check: send this Reel to @checkthis.chat