DefenseIndia and France move closer to potential 114-jet Rafale deal
India and France are advancing discussions on a potential follow-on agreement for up to 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with negotiations expected to gain momentum ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India in February.
According to Indian media reports, New Delhi is examining a government-to-government procurement framework aligned with the Indian Air Force’s long-standing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft requirement. While final numbers and configurations remain under discussion, the planning baseline of 114 aircraft continues to shape the talks.
The renewed push for additional Rafales is closely tied to the Indian Air Force’s declining fighter strength. Following the retirement of the MiG-21 fleet in 2025, the service operates approximately 29 fighter squadrons, well below its authorized strength of more than 40.
Delays in the induction of the Tejas Mk1A have further increased pressure to secure aircraft that can be inducted quickly and integrated into existing operational infrastructure.
Indian officials have argued that a direct Rafale acquisition offers advantages in terms of delivery timelines, logistics commonality and training continuity. India currently operates 36 Rafales acquired under a 2016 inter-governmental agreement, deployed at Ambala and Hasimara air bases.
In April 2025, India also signed a separate contract for 26 Rafale M carrier-based fighters for the Indian Navy, with deliveries scheduled through 2030, providing recent benchmarks for pricing and delivery schedules.
Industrial cooperation is a central element of the discussions
In June 2025, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Dassault Aviation signed an agreement to manufacture Rafale fuselage sections at a new facility in Hyderabad. The plant, the first Rafale fuselage production line outside France, is expected to begin deliveries in the 2028 financial year, with a planned output of around 24 fuselages per year for Indian and export requirements.
Indian reports also reference a broader industrial package under consideration, including plans for an engine production facility in Hyderabad and a maintenance, repair and overhaul hub near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, close to the future Noida International Airport. Taken together, these elements could bring up to 60% of Rafale manufacturing value into India over time.
Localization efforts extend beyond airframes
Recent initiatives include domestic production of key radar-related wired structures, indicating a gradual expansion into higher-value avionics and electronic subsystems.
The Rafale discussions are also linked to wider Franco-Indian cooperation in combat aviation. France has signaled openness to collaboration on future Rafale standards, including the F5 configuration, as well as on propulsion technologies relevant to India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program.
Any potential agreement would still need to progress through India’s established approval process, including review by the Defence Acquisition Council, cost negotiations and final authorization by the Cabinet Committee on Security, supported by dedicated budget allocations.
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Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
