India, France to Manufacture Rafale Jets, Says Macron

• France and India plan joint production of Rafale jets, helicopters, and potentially submarines
• India may order 114 additional Rafales, with up to 90 produced locally
• Macron and PM Narendra Modi unveiled India’s first H125 helicopter assembly line and joint Hammer missile production

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and India will start a new period of defence cooperation, which includes plans to produce Rafale fighter jets and helicopters together. Macron also expressed his desire to increase submarine exports to India.

The India France Rafale deal has strengthened the India France defence partnership, with Emmanuel Macron Rafale India discussions accelerating plans for Rafale jets India manufacturing through Dassault Aviation India, boosting India defence manufacturing under Make in India defence, enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force Rafale fleet with the advanced Rafale fighter jet India, and deepening overall India France military cooperation.

“On Rafale, what we want to do is expand. India confirmed a few days ago its willingness to command a new bunch of Rafales … 114 … and to co-produce in India”, he stated.

India’s anticipated order for 114 additional Rafales represents a “new step forward" in bilateral defence ties, he said while noting that similar cooperation will also extend to submarines.

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The Defence Acquisition Council of India granted preliminary approval last week to acquire these jets together with other aircraft and missiles after months of fighting with Pakistan.

India has acquired 36 Rafale aircraft for its air force and 26 naval variants for its navy up to this point. Media reports predict that the 114-jet order from Dassault Aviation will cost approximately 3.25 trillion Indian rupees, which equals 35.65 billion dollars. The order will include up to 90 jets, which will be manufactured through an unidentified joint venture agreement.

Macron emphasized, “Rafale is absolutely key,” adding hopes of similar collaboration on submarines. India currently operates six French Scorpene submarines, with reports indicating plans to expand this fleet.

Macron and PM Narendra Modi established India’s first H125 helicopter assembly line at their meeting, which marks the joint venture between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems. The two countries will collaborate with Safran and Bharat Electronics to manufacture Hammer missiles.