India and France are on the verge of sealing a major defence agreement aimed at taking the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities to new heights. As part of this deal, India is expected to place orders for additional Rafale fighter jets to address gaps in the IAF’s fleet. Discussions are likely to intensify during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India next month. Under the existing government-to-government (G2G) framework, the IAF has already proposed acquiring a substantial number of jets. The mega project envisions strengthening the air force with at least 114 modern fighter aircraft.
Formal approval for this acquisition will first be sought from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), followed by price negotiations and finally clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Following last year’s deal to procure 24 Rafale jets for the Navy, this new agreement is expected to be worth several billion euros.
Rafales to be manufactured in India
One of the most notable aspects of the deal is that the jets will be manufactured domestically. This will introduce advanced technologies into India’s industrial ecosystem. In June last year, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed an agreement with France’s Dassault Aviation to produce Rafale fuselages in India. A dedicated production unit is being set up in Hyderabad, which will not only meet India’s requirements but also manufacture four key fuselage components for global orders. The first unit is expected to roll out by FY2028, with an annual capacity of 24 fuselages.
According to sources, not just the fuselage, but engine production and maintenance facilities are also being shifted to India. An engine manufacturing plant is under construction in Hyderabad, while a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub is being established at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh. Once these projects are operational, approximately 60% of the Rafale’s production value is expected to remain in India, marking a significant step towards a self-reliant defence industry.
Why Rafale is a game-changer
The Rafale is an ‘omni-role’ fighter jet, capable of performing multiple missions, attack, reconnaissance and defence, simultaneously. It is equipped with Meteor air-to-air missiles with a range of 300 km and SCALP cruise missiles, which currently have no equivalent in China or Pakistan. Its Spectra electronic warfare system is among the world’s most precise, capable of jamming enemy radar and neutralising incoming missile threats. The Rafale can carry roughly 1.5 times its weight in weapons and fuel, allowing it to operate from high-altitude, extreme-cold regions like Ladakh with ease.
This combination of domestic manufacturing and advanced operational capabilities positions the Rafale as a critical asset for India’s air defence strategy.
