As talks progress over the proposed 114 Rafale fighter jets, a familiar template is taking shape. The evolving Indo-French framework increasingly mirrors a pivotal moment in India’s defence history — the agreement with Russia to manufacture 240 Su-30MKI aircraft domestically.
That earlier programme transformed India’s aerospace ecosystem. It was not solely about acquiring a capable multirole fighter; it was about creating a self-sustaining industrial base to assemble, maintain, and upgrade it. The Rafale negotiations appear set to revive that model, but with greater emphasis on technology transfer, deeper localisation, and long-term supply chain security.
When India opted for licensed production of the Su-30MKI, it marked a strategic shift away from outright imports. Over time, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited built substantial expertise in assembly, integration, and lifecycle support within the country.
The benefits of that decision are evident today. With Russia engaged in a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, global supply chains linked to Russian defence exports have faced strain. Despite these disruptions, the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet has continued to function with relative stability, largely due to domestic production capabilities and established support infrastructure.
The Su-30MKI programme also nurtured a domestic supplier network. Indian firms entered the aerospace value chain, building industrial capacity and technical competence that extended beyond a single aircraft platform.
Rafale as a Strategic Continuation
The proposed 114 Rafale acquisition appears to follow a similar philosophy. Rather than depending on direct off-the-shelf purchases, India is pressing for substantial local manufacturing. The objective is to set up a domestic production line, anchor a national supplier ecosystem, and progressively reduce reliance on the original equipment manufacturer.
This time, however, expectations are higher. Reports suggest the Rafale negotiations include more structured and clearly defined technology transfer commitments than previous deals. The focus extends beyond assembly to meaningful industrial absorption and subsystem-level localisation.
The broader aim is to ensure that throughout the aircraft’s service life, India remains insulated from foreign supply chain vulnerabilities when it comes to maintenance, upgrades, and critical spares.
Building Strategic Insulation
Defence platforms remain operational for decades, during which geopolitical realities can shift dramatically. Sanctions, political tensions, or supply chain disruptions can undermine fleet readiness.
By developing a strong domestic manufacturing and support base for the Rafale, India seeks to mitigate these risks. A robust local supply chain enhances operational resilience and grants greater flexibility in sustaining combat readiness.
This approach proved effective in the case of the Su-30MKI, and policymakers appear intent on replicating — and refining — that model with the Rafale programme.
Technology Depth Over Structural Redesign
Unlike earlier programmes where Indian-origin systems were deeply embedded into aircraft architecture, the Rafale under discussion is expected to retain its core French systems without major integration of indigenous avionics or mission computers.
As a result, localisation efforts are likely to focus more on manufacturing depth, component production, and weapon ecosystem support rather than redesigning the aircraft’s core systems.
If concluded, the 114 Rafale deal will represent more than a fleet expansion. It will serve as a test of India’s ability to build upon the industrial legacy of the Su-30MKI era while negotiating stronger, enforceable technology transfer frameworks.
In essence, the playbook remains familiar — but the ambition, scrutiny, and geopolitical complexity are considerably higher.
