India Pushes 50% Indigenous Content in Rafale Fighter Jet Production

India has intensified its push for domestic defence manufacturing, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urging greater Indian participation in the production ecosystem of Rafale fighter jets. During high-level defence discussions with France, Singh proposed that fighter aircraft manufactured for India should include up to 50% indigenous content.

The proposal is expected to influence Dassault Aviation’s bid for the Indian Air Force’s planned acquisition of 114 multirole fighter jets. If implemented, the move would significantly boost domestic manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial capability within India’s defence sector.

The emphasis on increased local production aligns with India’s broader “Make in India” initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Officials indicated that co-design, co-development and co-production of advanced defence platforms will form the foundation of future India–France defence collaboration.

The discussions took place during the sixth India–France Annual Defence Dialogue held in Mumbai, where Singh and his French counterpart reviewed progress and extended the 10-year defence cooperation framework. The renewal underscores defence cooperation as a central pillar of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Momentum for deeper collaboration grew after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” The upgraded framework commits both countries to long-term cooperation across air, naval and land defence systems, along with critical and dual-use technologies.

Defence aeronautics has emerged as a key focus area. Both sides acknowledged progress in the agreement for 26 Rafale-Marine jets for the Indian Navy and expressed intent to expand cooperation in fighter aircraft manufacturing and combat engine development. French engine manufacturer Safran is expected to collaborate with Indian partners in future engine programmes.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council recently approved plans to procure 114 next-generation multirole fighter aircraft, adding urgency to ongoing negotiations. The expanded Rafale programme is considered a strong contender and could become one of India’s largest defence acquisitions.

If finalised, the project would mark a shift from a traditional buyer–seller relationship toward a long-term industrial partnership. Joint design, development and production would not only enhance India’s defence preparedness but also strengthen its domestic aerospace ecosystem.

The push for higher indigenous content reflects India’s strategic goal of building a self-reliant defence industry while strengthening global partnerships to access advanced technologies.