France has signalled its willingness to support technology transfer, local manufacturing and the integration of indigenous weapons
In a significant boost to India’s “Make in India” initiative and its strategic defence partnership with France, Paris has reportedly expressed full support for technology transfer and the integration of Indian-developed weapons and systems into Rafale fighter aircraft.
The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s upcoming visit to France, where defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. Modi is scheduled to participate in outreach sessions of the G7 Summit and hold bilateral talks during his visit.
French sources have indicated that local manufacturing under the “Make in India” programme would be a key pillar of India’s proposed acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
According to sources, France is comfortable with transferring technology related to the Rafale programme and supports the integration of indigenous Indian weapons, missiles and ammunition onto the aircraft. French officials have also reiterated that defence ties with India are viewed as a long-term strategic partnership rather than a conventional buyer-seller relationship.
The procurement process for 114 Rafale jets is already underway, with India having submitted a formal Letter of Request (LoR) to France. The proposed government-to-government deal envisages manufacturing the aircraft in India through a partnership between Dassault Aviation and an Indian company.
India has outlined several key requirements for the deal, including the integration of indigenous weapons systems, Indian data-link networks and digital communication capabilities. The agreement is also expected to include technology transfer relating to engines, airframes and avionics.
All 114 aircraft are expected to be configured to carry Indian-made weapons and missiles. Dassault is also expected to provide secure data-link systems that will enable seamless integration with Indian radar networks, sensors and ground control infrastructure.
The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets in the F3R configuration acquired under the 2015 agreement. Dassault has since developed the more advanced F4 variant, while the next-generation F5 version remains under development.
India is reportedly seeking a mix of F4 and future F5 variants under the new procurement programme. These advanced aircraft are expected to feature upgraded AESA radars, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, sophisticated self-protection systems, long-range strike weapons and improved satellite communications.
The future Rafale variants will also incorporate Artificial Intelligence-based technologies designed to improve pilot situational awareness, mission effectiveness and battlefield survivability.
The programme is expected to achieve between 55 and 60 per cent indigenous content through participation by Dassault Aviation, engine manufacturer Safran and avionics major Thales. Once domestic manufacturing capabilities for airframes, engines and avionics are established, India will significantly expand its aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
With the Indian Air Force already operating 36 Rafales and the Indian Navy having ordered 26 carrier-capable Rafale-M fighters, the addition of 114 aircraft would take India’s total Rafale fleet strength to 176 aircraft.
Infrastructure for training, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is already operational at Ambala Air Force Station, enabling the Indian Air Force to rapidly induct additional Rafale squadrons once deliveries begin.
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