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80% of 114 Rafale Jets to be 'Made in India' in Major Defence Push

In a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, approximately 80% of the 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force are planned to be built within India. The deal includes discussions to maximize localized content and establish a domestic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to enhance serviceability. The Rafale was selected as it meets IAF requirements with a high 90% serviceability rate, superior to other global aircraft. This procurement is critical as the IAF grapples with depleting squadron strength amid regional security challenges.

Key Points: 80% of Rafale Jets to be Built in India in 114-Plane Deal

  • 80% of jets to be built in India
  • MRO facility to be set up in India
  • Deal addresses depleting fighter squadrons
  • Indian entity may handle exports
2 min read

Around 80% of 114 Rafale jets to be built in India, New Delhi pushing for maximum possible localisation of planes

India pushes for maximum localisation in 114 Rafale fighter jet deal, with 80% to be built domestically and plans for an Indian MRO hub.

"the Rafale has been found to be the best suited to meet Indian Air Force requirements - Government Sources"

New Delhi, January 15

In the proposed deal for buying 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, around 80 per cent of the combat aircraft are planned to be built in India.

The project would also see some of the manufacturing facilities getting shifted from France to India.

The Indian side is also discussing with French officials for maximising the localised content in the deal with plans of setting up the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility within India to maximise the serviceability of the planes, government sources told ANI.

The sources said the two sides will negotiate the cost of the project further. The French price offer has taken into account the inflation rate increase in prices at around four per cent per annum.

Sources said that with a large number of parts and systems of the Rafales to be built in India, there is also a possibility of the French Dassault Aviation using an Indian entity for export orders and offering Indian facilities as a hub for MRO for countries in the region operating the Rafale and other Dassault aircraft.

Sources said in the present circumstances, the Rafale has been found to be the best suited to meet Indian Air Force requirements for fighter aircraft, as the serviceability is around 90 per cent, which is much higher than any other aircraft in the world, including the American F-35.

The Indian Air Force has been pushing for the case to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets for a long time after it was selected in a multi-vendor tender.

The Indian Air Force is grappling with the issue of depleting fighter aircraft squadrons and the indigenous project is also getting delayed due to issues with engines as well as integration of foreign-made equipment with the LCA Mark 1A aircraft.

Already faced with two active fronts in Pakistan and China, Bangladesh is also fast becoming a security challenge. Amid this situation, the number of fighter aircraft squadrons required by the Indian Air Force is going beyond the long-accepted requirement of 42 squadrons.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The 90% serviceability rate is a huge factor. With tensions on two borders, we need jets that are ready to fly, not stuck in maintenance. This deal seems to address both immediate needs and long-term industrial growth.
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Vikram M
While Make in India is good, I hope we don't end up just assembling parts. True localisation means developing our own critical subsystems over time. The MRO hub plan for the region is a brilliant economic and strategic move.
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Rohit P
The cost negotiation is key. With 4% annual inflation adjustment, the final price tag needs strict scrutiny. Public money must be spent wisely. But if it boosts our aerospace sector and secures our skies, it's an investment.
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Priya S
This is positive, but it also highlights the delays in our indigenous projects like the LCA. We must not become permanently dependent on foreign designs. The Rafale deal should be a bridge to our own 5th-gen AMCA, not a permanent crutch.
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Michael C
The geopolitical angle is crucial. Becoming a regional MRO hub for French aircraft gives India significant soft power and strategic leverage. It's about more than just jets; it's about positioning India as a key defense partner in the Indo-Pacific.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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