India is set to manufacture key components of Rafale fighter jets under a joint venture with France’s Dassault Aviation, as talks begin for a landmark deal to build 114 aircraft domestically.
New Delhi : Placing renewed faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives, India is preparing to manufacture critical components of the Rafale fighter jet domestically. According to multiple reports citing Defence Ministry sources, discussions are set to begin this week on a joint venture with French aerospace major Dassault Aviation for the production of 114 additional Rafale multirole combat aircraft.
The framework of the proposed deal, estimated to be worth around ₹3.25 lakh crore, could be finalised within the current year. The project has already been evaluated by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), headed by the Defence Secretary. If implemented, it would become the largest defence contract in the history of independent India. Following clearance by the DPB, the proposal will be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for final approval.
Under the initial phase of the plan, Rafale aircraft manufactured in India are expected to include 30 percent indigenous components and systems, a figure that is planned to be progressively increased to 60 percent, according to the evaluation committee’s report. Of the total 114 aircraft, 18 are proposed to be imported directly from France, while the remaining jets would be built in India. By comparison, the indigenously developed Tejas fighter aircraft currently incorporates about 62 percent Indian components.
Between July 2020 and now, India has received all 36 Rafale jets ordered earlier from France, including eight twin-seat trainer variants. The strong operational performance of these aircraft has drawn positive assessments from Indian Air Force experts. On the basis of this feedback, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, gave its in-principle approval last year to acquire more Rafales, either through direct purchase or domestic production under a joint venture model. Subsequently, the Defence Procurement Board began examining the feasibility of inducting 114 Rafale multirole aircraft into the Indian Air Force. Reports also indicate that a Nagpur-based company is being considered as Dassault Aviation’s Indian partner for the project.
The renewed push for additional Rafales is rooted in a long-standing requirement of the Indian Air Force. Nearly a decade ago, during the original Rafale negotiations, the IAF had projected a need for 126 fighter aircraft. However, only 36 jets were eventually procured. Meanwhile, the phased retirement of ageing MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft has led to a significant shortfall in fighter squadron strength. This gap cannot be bridged solely by the induction of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-built Tejas Mark-1A variant.
In this context, government sources say the Air Force has chosen to place its confidence in the combat-proven Rafale platform, including its performance during “Operation Sindoor.” Beyond the induction of 114 new aircraft, the plan also includes upgrading the existing Rafale F3R+ jets in service with the IAF to the more advanced Rafale F5 standard. This upgrade would align the fleet with future requirements and make it compatible with next-generation concepts such as the Future Combat Air System, strengthening India’s long-term air combat capabilities.
The framework of the proposed deal, estimated to be worth around ₹3.25 lakh crore, could be finalised within the current year. The project has already been evaluated by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), headed by the Defence Secretary. If implemented, it would become the largest defence contract in the history of independent India. Following clearance by the DPB, the proposal will be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for final approval.
Under the initial phase of the plan, Rafale aircraft manufactured in India are expected to include 30 percent indigenous components and systems, a figure that is planned to be progressively increased to 60 percent, according to the evaluation committee’s report. Of the total 114 aircraft, 18 are proposed to be imported directly from France, while the remaining jets would be built in India. By comparison, the indigenously developed Tejas fighter aircraft currently incorporates about 62 percent Indian components.
Between July 2020 and now, India has received all 36 Rafale jets ordered earlier from France, including eight twin-seat trainer variants. The strong operational performance of these aircraft has drawn positive assessments from Indian Air Force experts. On the basis of this feedback, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, gave its in-principle approval last year to acquire more Rafales, either through direct purchase or domestic production under a joint venture model. Subsequently, the Defence Procurement Board began examining the feasibility of inducting 114 Rafale multirole aircraft into the Indian Air Force. Reports also indicate that a Nagpur-based company is being considered as Dassault Aviation’s Indian partner for the project.
The renewed push for additional Rafales is rooted in a long-standing requirement of the Indian Air Force. Nearly a decade ago, during the original Rafale negotiations, the IAF had projected a need for 126 fighter aircraft. However, only 36 jets were eventually procured. Meanwhile, the phased retirement of ageing MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft has led to a significant shortfall in fighter squadron strength. This gap cannot be bridged solely by the induction of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-built Tejas Mark-1A variant.
In this context, government sources say the Air Force has chosen to place its confidence in the combat-proven Rafale platform, including its performance during “Operation Sindoor.” Beyond the induction of 114 new aircraft, the plan also includes upgrading the existing Rafale F3R+ jets in service with the IAF to the more advanced Rafale F5 standard. This upgrade would align the fleet with future requirements and make it compatible with next-generation concepts such as the Future Combat Air System, strengthening India’s long-term air combat capabilities.
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