India–France Defense Ties Deepen as 114 Rafale Jets to Be Manufactured Under ‘Make in India’ Initiative

India and France have taken their strategic partnership to a new level, with French President Emmanuel Macron confirming that 114 Rafale fighter jets will be manufactured in India under the government’s ‘Make in India’ program.

Speaking during the AIE Impact Summit, President Macron described the relationship between the two countries as a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” emphasising that the bond goes beyond conventional diplomatic ties. His remarks come shortly after India approved the long-pending procurement of 114 Rafale aircraft under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program.

Macron highlighted that indigenous production will be central to the deal. According to the framework, 18 aircraft will be delivered directly in fly-away condition by Dassault Aviation, while the remaining 96 jets will be manufactured in India in phases with nearly 50% indigenous content. Technical negotiations are expected to define the detailed structure of co-production in the coming months.

India has already inducted 36 Rafale jets into the Air Force and has ordered 26 naval variants. The addition of 114 more aircraft is expected to significantly enhance India’s air combat capabilities and strengthen its domestic aerospace ecosystem.

Beyond fighter aircraft, France is also advancing cooperation in naval defense. Discussions are underway to co-produce three Scorpene-class submarines in collaboration with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and French defense firm Naval Group. This move would further expand industrial collaboration and technology transfer between the two nations.

President Macron reiterated his strong admiration for India and underscored that the defense partnership would generate employment, boost technological capability, and reinforce India’s industrial base. He described the new phase of defense cooperation as “formidable” and a strategic milestone for both countries.

The announcement also comes amid broader geopolitical developments, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed as a special guest at the upcoming G7 Summit, signaling growing global engagement between India and major Western powers.

With expanded defense manufacturing, submarine collaboration, and strengthened diplomatic ties, the India–France partnership appears set to play a critical role in shaping regional security and strategic balance in the years ahead.