France’s Dassault Aviation will manufacture the main body section of its Rafale multirole fighter jets in India – the first time production has taken place outside France – in a move analysts say marks a strategic milestone in New Delhi’s push for defence self-reliance amid growing pressure to modernise its ageing air force.
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The fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft will be produced through a partnership with India’s Tata group, as part of a broader effort to expand domestic manufacturing of the Rafale – widely regarded as the most advanced fighter jet in the Indian Air Force’s arsenal.
A new facility in the southern city of Hyderabad will supply the fuselages to India and the international market.
The development last week came days after India’s Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh warned of significant delays in defence procurement manufacturing. India and Pakistan had recently been engaged in armed conflict that was led by aerial attacks.
During the clashes, both sides claimed to have shot down rival aircraft, though the extent of damage suffered remains unsubstantiated. India, the world’s biggest arms importer, has been looking to step up domestic production and boost defence exports.
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The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters. India also signed a deal in April with France – its second-largest arms supplier – to buy 26 naval versions of the jets for US$7 billion, which are expected to be delivered by 2030.