Archive · 7 Aug 2026
India to manufacture 94 Rafale jets in massive defence deal
India wants to buy new fighter jets called Rafale from France.
These planes fly very fast and are used by the Air Force.
France has now sent India a big offer to sell 114 of these jets.
The deal is worth about Rs 3.25 lakh crore, which is a huge amount of money.
Most of the jets, 94 of them, would be built in India.
This is part of India's 'Make in India' plan.
Indian and French companies would work together to build the planes.
This would be the first time Rafale jets are made outside France.
The new jets will help India's Air Force because it needs more planes.
It will also create many business opportunities for Indian companies.
France has submitted a detailed technical and commercial proposal to India for 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets valued at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
Under the proposal, 94 of the 114 jets would be manufactured in India, marking the first Rafale production outside France under 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
The deal is expected to generate business opportunities worth around Rs 1.6 lakh crore for Indian industry, covering airframes, engines, avionics and MRO facilities.
French companies MBDA, Safran and Thales would collaborate with Indian partners including Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro.
The jets aim to address the Indian Air Force's dwindling squadron strength, and would push India's total Rafale fleet beyond 200 jets with existing and planned orders.
- Who
- India and France, including the Indian Air Force, the Defence Ministry, French firms MBDA, Safran and Thales, and Indian partners such as Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro.
- What
- France submitted a proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with 94 to be manufactured in India in a deal worth about Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
- When
- The proposal followed India's Letter of Request issued in May 2026; the Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity in February 2026.
- Where
- India (for in-country manufacturing) and France (for delivery of around 20 fly-away aircraft).
- Why
- To address the Indian Air Force's dwindling squadron strength and boost indigenous defence manufacturing under 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
- Deal value
- Approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore
- Aircraft
- 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets
- Built in India
- 94 jets - first Rafale manufacturing outside France
- Fly-away from France
- Around 20 aircraft
- Indian industry opportunity
- Around Rs 1.6 lakh crore
- Expected indigenous content
- 55-60 per cent after technology transfer
- Letter of Request
- Issued May 2026
- Rafale fleet target
- 176 jets, potentially over 200 with naval orders