France has indicated its willingness to transfer technology and support the integration of Indian-made weapons into Rafale fighter jets as New Delhi advances plans to procure 114 additional aircraft under a major “Make in India” programme, potentially marking one of the largest defence-industrial collaborations between the two countries.
“Yes, we are comfortable sharing technology, and ‘Make in India’ will be part of the deal,” top French Diplomatic sources were cited as saying by The Tribune on June 11th.
The assurances come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to France on June 13th, with officials from both sides intensifying discussions on a deal that could become India’s biggest-ever fighter aircraft acquisition. French officials have indicated that local production, technology sharing, and the integration of indigenous weapons systems form part of ongoing negotiations.
The proposed purchase falls under the Indian Air Force’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, which seeks to address a persistent decline in combat squadron strength. India currently operates 36 Rafale fighters acquired under a 2016 government-to-government agreement, and the new procurement would significantly expand that fleet while deepening industrial cooperation with France.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved the acquisition proposal in February, clearing the way for formal negotiations.
A central element of the talks is the extent of technology transfer and localisation. Indian requirements reportedly call for the majority of aircraft to be assembled domestically, with substantial local content and long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities established inside the country.
Per the latest reports, 92 of the 114 Rafale fighters would be assembled or produced in India after an initial tranche of 22 aircraft is delivered from France.
The programme is expected to begin with a localisation level of 30%, with Indian officials reportedly aiming to raise domestic content to around 55-60% over time. Achieving that target would require the gradual development of a broader domestic supplier network and manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting advanced fighter aircraft production.
The programme would involve an Indian industrial partner responsible for assembly, certification and sustainment activities, alongside the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure and the phased transfer of technology.
The arrangement would make India the first foreign country to manufacture Rafale fighters locally if finalised.
Another important aspect of the negotiations concerns the integration of Indian weapons and mission systems.
French officials have publicly stated that incorporating indigenous armaments is part of the package under discussion, a provision that could allow the aircraft to deploy Indian-developed missiles and precision-guided weapons in addition to existing French-origin systems.
While India is not seeking full access to the Rafale’s mission-critical source code architecture, reports indicate that New Delhi is seeking sufficient flexibility to integrate indigenous weapons and systems onto the aircraft with support from the French manufacturer.
France has continued to upgrade the Rafale platform as it seeks to maintain the fighter’s competitiveness in export markets. The proposed 114-aircraft deal with India is expected to center on the newer F4 standard, while the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of 36 Rafales, currently operating in the F3R configuration, would also be upgraded to the same standard.
The F4 configuration introduces improvements in connectivity, sensor performance, and radar capabilities, while enabling integration of next-generation weapons, including the MBDA MICA NG air-to-air missile and future variants of the SCALP cruise missile. Earlier this month, France successfully conducted a test launch of the MICA NG from a Rafale fighter, highlighting capabilities that could eventually become available to future export operators, including India.
Reports have additionally pointed to Indian interest in the future F5 variant. So, the proposed agreement includes a pathway for future upgrades to the Rafale F5 standard, slated to enter service in the early 2030s. The F5 variant will feature the more powerful M88 T-REX engine and enhanced manned-unmanned teaming capabilities derived from France’s Neuron demonstrator programme.
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The fighter deal also carries broader industrial significance. French engine manufacturer Safran has previously indicated its readiness to establish engine assembly capabilities in India and source components from Indian suppliers as part of efforts to meet localisation requirements linked to future Rafale production.
For France, securing the contract would bolster the Rafale’s standing in the global fighter market. For India, the programme not only replenishes its fighter numbers but also strengthens its domestic aerospace manufacturing under the Make in India initiative and expands its role in Dassault Aviation’s global supply chain at a time when countries across Asia are stepping up rearmament efforts and demand for advanced 4.5-generation fighter jets is growing globally.
Also, in April 2025, India signed a contract for 26 naval Rafale fighters for the Indian Navy, further cementing Rafale’s position within India’s military aviation plans and creating operational commonality between India’s Air Force and Navy fleets.
Tanmay Kadam is a geopolitical observer based in India. He has experience working as a Defence and International Affairs journalist for EurAsian Times. He can be contacted at tanmaykadam700@gmail.com.