New Delhi: France has formally submitted its technical and commercial proposal for India’s planned acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft, a major defence procurement programme that is expected to place a strong emphasis on domestic manufacturing and technology transfer.
French aerospace major Dassault Aviation has submitted its response following India’s formal Letter of Request (LoR) issued in May. The proposal is now expected to undergo scrutiny by Indian authorities before the next stages of the procurement process.
The proposed acquisition is being pursued under the Make in India framework, with the Rafale jets expected to be manufactured in partnership with an Indian company. New Delhi has also placed several key conditions on the programme, including the integration of Indian weapons and secure communication and data-link systems.
Technology transfer at the heart of proposal
A major component of the French offer is understood to be technology transfer covering the aircraft’s airframe, engine and avionics.
The arrangement is also expected to facilitate the integration of Indian-developed missiles, weapons and ammunition across the Rafale fleet. Secure data links would allow the fighters to communicate with Indian radars, sensors and ground-based command systems, improving their ability to operate as part of a wider network-centric warfare architecture.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in June, discussions reportedly indicated that Paris was prepared to accommodate India’s requirements relating to technology transfer and the integration of indigenous weapons.
French companies including Safran, which manufactures the Rafale’s engines, and Thales, a key avionics supplier, are expected to participate in the technology-transfer programme.
The proposed arrangement could eventually take the indigenous content of the aircraft to around 55-60 per cent, particularly after technology related to airframes, propulsion and avionics is transferred to Indian industry.
Advanced Rafale variants under consideration
India is reportedly looking at a combination of newer Rafale configurations, including the F4 standard and the forthcoming F5 variant.
The upgraded aircraft are expected to offer enhanced combat capabilities, including an advanced AESA radar, greater resistance to electronic warfare and improved self-protection systems.
The package is also expected to provide improved target detection and identification capabilities, longer-range weapon systems, enhanced satellite connectivity and artificial intelligence-based tools designed to assist pilots with situational awareness and decision-making.
The proposed fleet would represent a significant technological step up from the Rafale configuration initially acquired by the Indian Air Force.
IAF seeks to strengthen fighter fleet
The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters, acquired through the earlier government-to-government agreement signed in 2016 after the initial order was placed in 2015.
The Indian Navy has separately contracted 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for deployment from its aircraft carriers.
Expanding the Rafale fleet could also bring logistical advantages, as India already has infrastructure, trained personnel and support systems for operating the aircraft.
A dedicated Rafale training and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility is operational at the IAF’s Ambala station. Sources indicate that the base has sufficient infrastructure, including tooling, spares and trained manpower, to accommodate additional Rafale squadrons.
Deal aimed at addressing fighter shortage
The proposed purchase comes against the backdrop of a continuing shortage of fighter squadrons in the IAF.
The force is gradually retiring ageing aircraft, including several Russian-origin MiG variants, while the induction of newer indigenous platforms has faced delays.
The LCA Mk1A programme is yet to achieve the planned pace of induction, while the more advanced LCA Mk2 remains under development.
Against this backdrop, the proposed 114-aircraft Rafale programme could provide the IAF with additional fourth-generation-plus combat capability while simultaneously expanding India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing base.
The French proposal will now be evaluated by Indian authorities, with the final outcome depending on technical compliance, commercial terms, technology-transfer commitments and other conditions laid down by New Delhi.
