India pushes for 50% indigenous content in Rafale production line: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the French side to increase Indian participation in the production ecosystem of the Dassault Aviation-built Rafale aircraft, pushing for as much as 50% indigenous manufacturing content in fighter jets likely to be produced for India. The proposal is expected to be reflected in Dassault's bid for the planned acquisition of 114 multirole fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.

India placed co-design, co-development and co-production of advanced defence platforms at the centre of its upgraded strategic partnership with France, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pressing for higher indigenous content in Rafale fighter jet manufacturing during high-level talks.

During defence minister–level discussions, Singh urged the French side to increase Indian participation in the production ecosystem of the Dassault Aviation-built Rafale aircraft, pushing for as much as 50% indigenous manufacturing content in fighter jets likely to be produced for India. The proposal is expected to be reflected in Dassault’s bid for the planned acquisition of 114 multirole fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.

The emphasis on local production aligns with the broader Make in India push and France’s strategic autonomy goals, forming the core of a deepening industrial partnership between India and France. Officials indicated that co-design and co-production would shape future defence projects, including aircraft manufacturing and combat engine development.

The renewed focus emerged during the sixth India–France Annual Defence Dialogue in Mumbai, co-chaired by Singh and French counterpart Catherine Vautrin, where both sides extended their 10-year defence cooperation framework. Senior officials formalised the renewal, underscoring defence ties as a pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership.

The push gained further momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron elevated bilateral relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” during talks in Mumbai on February 17, 2026. The upgraded framework commits both countries to long-term collaboration across air, naval and land systems, as well as critical and dual-use technologies.

Defence aeronautics has emerged as a key pillar of the partnership. Both sides welcomed progress on the contract for 26 Rafale-Marine jets for the Indian Navy and expressed intent to deepen collaboration in fighter manufacturing and combat aircraft engines, with French engine maker Safran expected to work alongside Indian partners.