Negotiations between India and France over a major Rafale fighter jet acquisition for the Indian Air Force have intensified ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India in February.
The Indian Air Force submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence in September requesting approval to procure 114 Rafale aircraft under the Multirole Fighter Aircraft program, with the deal valued at approximately ₹200 billion ($22 billion).
The Ministry of Defence subsequently asked for clearer commitments on industrial participation, including local manufacturing plans and the level of indigenous content to be incorporated into the aircraft.
While it is not yet confirmed whether an updated proposal has been submitted, media reports indicate that discussions are expected to advance ahead of Macron’s visit.
Following approval by the Defence Acquisition Council, the acquisition would proceed to commercial negotiations before receiving final authorization from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
The government-to-government deal would substantially increase the IAF’s Rafale inventory beyond the 36 jets contracted in 2016, which are currently deployed at Ambala and Hasimara and play a key role in mitigating the force’s shrinking fighter squadron numbers.
The IAF’s operational strength has been impacted by the phased retirement of MiG-21 fighters and delays in inducting the Tejas Mk 1A.
The MoD is also likely to require the establishment of a domestic Rafale production line, with aircraft to be built in India through collaboration between Dassault Aviation and an Indian defense partner.
As part of localization efforts, Tata Advanced Systems signed an agreement last year with Dassault to manufacture Rafale fuselage components in India. Plans are also underway to set up an engine production facility and a dedicated MRO center for the aircraft.
Additionally, the MoD has reportedly raised concerns over liability in the event of production delays under an India-based manufacturing model—an issue that has previously hindered progress in negotiations with Dassault Aviation.
