India, France to co-produce jets under ‘Make in India’, expand Rafale deal: French President Emmanuel Macron

India and France are set to significantly expand the Rafale fighter jet programme, with plans for co-production and higher indigenous content under Make in India. President Macron says the proposed deal will strengthen strategic ties and boost jobs.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 19 February 2026, 8:13 PM IST

India and France are preparing to scale up their defence partnership

New Delhi: India and France are preparing to scale up their defence partnership with a major expansion of the Dassault Rafale fighter jet programme. French President Emmanuel Macron said India has conveyed its readiness to place a fresh order for 114 aircraft, with co-production in India forming a central element of the proposed agreement.

Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Summit, Macron described the move as a significant step forward in a partnership that extends beyond conventional defence ties.

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‘Make in India’ At The Core

The proposed expansion is expected to align closely with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. France has committed to increasing indigenous manufacturing and integrating more Indian components into future Rafale deliveries.

Macron emphasised that maximising local production would not only enhance India’s defence capabilities but also generate employment and strengthen industrial cooperation between companies and governments on both sides. Plans are also underway to diversify maintenance facilities and build long-term sustainment infrastructure within India.

Broader Strategic Cooperation

Beyond fighter jets, both nations are exploring similar collaborative frameworks in other defence sectors, including submarines and aerospace technologies. The aim is to deepen industrial partnerships while reinforcing their broader strategic alignment.

Macron described the India-France relationship as being at its highest level, underlining the shared vision for long-term cooperation across sectors.

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The French President also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit France in July and attend the G7 summit as a special guest in his capacity as President of BRICS. Macron is also expected to visit India next year, signalling continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

The expanded Rafale programme is set to become a cornerstone of this evolving strategic partnership.