- India is advancing a proposal to acquire at least 114 Rafale fighters under a government-to-government deal, with production planned inside the country.
- The planned procurement aligns with broader industrial projects that would localize up to 60% of the Rafale manufacturing value chain in India.
India is moving toward approving a large-scale purchase of Rafale fighter jets, as New Delhi prepares for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit next month, according to senior officials familiar with the process.
Indian Air Force leaders have submitted a proposal to acquire what the service described as a “substantial” number of new aircraft under a government-to-government agreement, with production to take place inside India. Officials said discussions on the final quantity remain underway, but the Air Force has stated it requires at least 114 modern fighters to address inventory gaps.
According to officials cited in New Delhi, the procurement must first receive authorization from the Defence Acquisition Council and then approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The government would also need to allocate dedicated funds in the upcoming budget. India last year signed a contract for 24 naval Rafale aircraft, with that pricing expected to serve as the benchmark for what could become a multibillion-euro deal.
As noted by Indian sources, local production is central to the proposed agreement. Last June, Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed an agreement with Dassault Aviation to manufacture Rafale airframes in India. Tata is building a dedicated production facility in Hyderabad to supply airframe structures for Indian orders and Dassault’s global customers. The facility is expected to deliver its first components before the 2028 fiscal year and reach an annual output of 24 airframes.
Officials added that related programs now progressing — including a planned engine manufacturing plant in Hyderabad and a maintenance, repair and overhaul center in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh — could bring up to 60% of the Rafale manufacturing value chain into India. These developments were described as a key part of the broader industrial package under consideration.
Dassault Aviation’s current backlog includes export and domestic Rafale orders for multiple customers. The company has delivered Rafale fighters to both the French armed forces and export clients in recent years and has ongoing production commitments globally. Indian officials said these factors are being incorporated into timeline planning for domestic manufacturing.
The Indian Air Force has emphasized that replacing its aging fighters and stabilizing fleet strength remain core priorities. The Rafale, already in Indian service after earlier deliveries, is regarded by the Air Force as a central component of its future combat aviation structure, with local manufacturing intended to ensure long-term sustainment.
India’s accelerating negotiations come as New Delhi continues to expand industrial cooperation with France across aviation, engines and maintenance infrastructure. Macron’s upcoming visit is expected to include high-level defence discussions and could provide political momentum for the deal.