India Pushes for Enhanced Local Manufacturing in Major Rafale Fighter Jet Deal with France
In a significant move to bolster domestic defense production, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has formally requested his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, to substantially increase the share of India-made components in the upcoming multi-billion dollar deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. During the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue held in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Singh specifically asked for the indigenous content to be raised "up to 50%," according to defense sources familiar with the discussions.
Strategic Focus on Engine Manufacturing and Overhaul in India
Beyond component manufacturing, Rajnath Singh emphasized the critical importance of localizing engine production and maintenance. He urged Vautrin to "try to ensure that engines of the fighter planes are made and overhauled in India." This directive aligns directly with India's ambitious "Make-in-India" initiative, which aims to transform the nation into a global manufacturing and defense production hub. The request underscores India's long-term strategy to develop self-reliance in advanced aerospace technology and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defense systems.
Comprehensive Bilateral Defense Cooperation Renewed and Expanded
The high-level dialogue between the two defense ministers covered a wide spectrum of bilateral security and defense issues. Key priority areas for co-development and co-production of advanced defense equipment were thoroughly discussed, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris. In a landmark development, India and France officially renewed their defense cooperation agreement for an additional ten years, ensuring continued collaboration across multiple domains.
The meeting yielded several concrete outcomes:
- Reciprocal Deployment of Army Officers: Both nations announced plans for the reciprocal deployment of army officers, enhancing interoperability and joint training opportunities.
- Hammer Missile Manufacturing MoU: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to manufacture Hammer missiles in India through a joint venture between defense Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited and French aerospace giant Safran.
- Exercise Shakti Enhancement: The French defense minister expressed appreciation for India's decision to convert the bilateral Army Exercise Shakti from a biennial to an annual event, signaling increased military engagement.
Inauguration of Landmark Helicopter Assembly Line
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin participated in the inaugural ceremony of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal, Karnataka. This state-of-the-art facility was jointly developed by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Airbus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the facility from Mumbai, highlighting the project's strategic importance.
Prime Minister Modi remarked, "We take pride in the fact that, together, India and France will manufacture in India the world's only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and export it to the entire world." The first "Made in India" H125 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in early 2027. This advanced light multi-role helicopter is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces, particularly in challenging high-altitude environments like the Himalayas.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed that the total investment for the H125 project is projected to exceed Rs 1,000 crore, generating substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities across the aerospace sector.
Broader Defense Partnership and Future Procurement Plans
During the joint appearance with Prime Minister Modi in Mumbai, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the expanding scope of Indo-French defense cooperation. "From Rafale jets to submarines, we are expanding defense cooperation. India and France are also working together to build helicopter assembly line and fifth-gen fighter jet engines," Macron stated.
This statement follows the recent approval by the Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. The cost negotiations for this massive defense deal are expected to gain significant momentum following Tuesday's high-level meetings between Modi and Macron. The final agreement is anticipated to be signed after receiving clearance from the Indian Cabinet.
In addition to the Rafale deal, India is considering the acquisition of additional Scorpene-class conventional submarines from France. India has previously procured six Scorpene-class submarines, designated as the Kalvari class, which have been inducted into the Indian Navy. This potential expansion of the submarine fleet underscores India's focus on strengthening its maritime defense capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
The comprehensive discussions and agreements between India and France mark a new chapter in their strategic defense partnership, with a clear emphasis on technology transfer, joint manufacturing, and long-term cooperation that benefits both nations' defense industrial bases.
