India and France have stepped up negotiations on a potential Rafale fighter aircraft deal for the Indian Air Force (IAF) ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to India in February.
In September, the IAF submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) seeking approval to acquire 114 Rafale jets under the Multirole Fighter Aircraft requirement, with the deal estimated at around 200 billion Indian rupees ($22 billion).
The MoD, however, requested greater clarity on industrial participation, particularly regarding local manufacturing arrangements and the extent of indigenous content in the aircraft.
It remains uncertain whether a revised proposal has been formally resubmitted, though reports suggest the program is expected to gain momentum in the run-up to President Macron’s visit.
If approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, the procurement would move into price negotiations, followed by final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
The proposed government-to-government acquisition would significantly expand the IAF’s Rafale fleet beyond the 36 aircraft ordered in 2016 and currently operated by squadrons based at Ambala and Hasimara—assets considered critical to addressing the service’s declining fighter squadron strength.
The IAF’s combat fleet has been further reduced by the retirement of MiG-21 aircraft and delays in the induction of the indigenous Tejas Mk 1A fighter.
The MoD is expected to mandate the establishment of a domestic production line, with Rafale aircraft to be manufactured in India through a partnership between Dassault Aviation and an Indian defense company.
In support of this effort, Tata Advanced Systems last year signed an agreement with Dassault Aviation to produce Rafale fuselage sections in India. Additional plans include setting up an engine manufacturing facility and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center within the country.
The MoD has also reportedly sought clarification on liability for potential production delays if manufacturing takes place in India—an issue that previously slowed negotiations between the IAF and Dassault Aviation.
