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India’s planned purchase of 114 Rafale jets from France marks more than a defence upgrade: it signals a shift toward large-scale co-production, engine development, and submarine expansion, redefining strategic ties between New Delhi and Paris.
India and France are stepping into what leaders are calling a “new era” of strategic cooperation
New Delhi: India and France are stepping into what leaders are calling a “new era” of strategic cooperation, with a major push toward joint defence manufacturing. The centrepiece of this renewed momentum is India’s plan to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, a move that could significantly reshape the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities while deepening industrial collaboration between the two nations.
The announcement gained traction during French President Emmanuel Macron’s February 2026 visit to India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted co-production as the next big leap in bilateral defence ties.
India has granted initial approval under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme to acquire 114 Rafale jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation. The estimated deal value is around Rs 3.25 lakh crore (approximately $35 billion), making it one of the largest military procurements in recent years.
18 jets will be delivered in fly-away condition from France.
96 jets are expected to be manufactured in India.
Indigenous content is targeted at 50-60%.
A final assembly line is likely to be established in India, potentially in Nagpur through Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL). The move aligns with India’s “Make in India” push and aims to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing capacity.
The Rafales will be equipped with advanced weapons such as the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile and the SCALP cruise missile, enhancing India’s long-range strike and air dominance capabilities. The IAF currently operates 36 Rafales, while 26 naval variants have been ordered for aircraft carrier operations.
In April 2025, India signed a Rs 63,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale-Marine jets for the Indian Navy. These aircraft will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, replacing ageing MiG-29K fighters. Deliveries are expected by 2031.
France has also pitched additional Scorpene-class submarines to India. The Indian Navy already operates six Scorpenes built in collaboration with France at Mazagon Dock Limited, and discussions are underway for three more.
Employee held at Rafale plant in France on charges of spying using camera-fitted glasses
The partnership extends into critical technologies. During the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru:
A 10-year defence cooperation pact was renewed.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran signed an agreement to manufacture HAMMER precision-guided munitions in India.
Negotiations continue between HAL and Safran to co-develop a 120 kN engine for India’s future fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
With IAF squadron strength falling to 31 against a sanctioned 42, the Rafale expansion is seen as crucial for restoring operational readiness. More importantly, the deal signals a strategic shift from buyer-seller dynamics to deeper technology transfer and co-production.
If concluded, this framework could cement France as one of India’s most reliable long-term defence partners, shaping regional security balances for decades to come.
