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

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh demanded a decisive increase in Indian participation for the Dassault Aviation-built Rafale production ecosystem Wednesday. Singh is pushing for at least 50% indigenous manufacturing content for fighter jets slated for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source

The proposal was presented during the sixth India–France Annual Defence Dialogue in Mumbai. This push targets the upcoming acquisition of 114 multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA). The demand marks a shift from a traditional “buyer-seller” model to an industrial partnership anchored in co-design and co-production.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

The 50% Indigenous Mandate

The Indian government wants Dassault Aviation to reflect this 50% local content requirement in its formal MRFA bid. Therefore, the production line will move beyond mere assembly to include complex subsystem manufacturing. The goal is to integrate Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) into the global supply chain of the Rafale platform.

Meanwhile, the dialogue co-chaired by Singh and French Minister Catherine Vautrin extended the 10-year defence cooperation framework. This renewal underscores the “Special Global Strategic Partnership” elevated by PM Modi and President Macron on February 17. In fact, both nations have agreed to prioritize long-term collaboration over short-term sales.

MRFA: From Buyer to Co-Developer

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently approved the procurement of 114 new-generation multirole fighter aircraft. The Rafale is currently the frontrunner for this massive project. If finalized, the deal would be one of India’s largest-ever defence acquisitions.

Next, the focus is on establishing a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This facility would serve not only the IAF and Indian Navy but also other Rafale operators in the region. Thus, India aims to become a regional aerospace hub for the Dassault ecosystem.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

Safran and the Combat Engine Shift

A key part of the 50% indigenous push involves the engines. French engine maker Safran is expected to collaborate with Indian partners to develop and produce combat aircraft engines. Therefore, the technology transfer would cover advanced materials and cooling systems previously guarded by the French.

In fact, both sides welcomed progress on the contract for 26 Rafale-Marine jets for the Indian Navy. The induction of these maritime variants will serve as a pilot program for the localized manufacturing ecosystem. Still, the MRFA project remains the ultimate prize for Dassault Aviation.

Reality Check

The 50% indigenous content target is “extremely ambitious” for a high-tech platform like the Rafale. Still, current indigenous content in modern fighter jets often hovers around 30% for localized assembly. Therefore, reaching 50% requires India to manufacture sophisticated avionics and radar modules locally. In fact, some critical sensors may still need to be imported from France for years to come.

The Loopholes

Dassault might meet the 50% “value” requirement through software and low-tech hardware while keeping core proprietary tech in France. In fact, the “indigenous content” definition often includes the cost of labor and ground support equipment. Therefore, the actual “technological depth” of the 50% figure could be less than what the headline suggests. Still, the government insist that critical flight-control systems must be part of the local manufacturing mix.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

What This Means for You

If you are an aerospace engineer or working in the defence manufacturing sector, prepare for a hiring surge in the Mumbai-Pune and Bengaluru corridors. First, look for certifications required to work on Dassault or Safran-standard production lines. Then, monitor the upcoming tenders for the 114 MRFA project to see which Indian private firms win the sub-contracts.

Finally, realize that a localized Rafale line could lower long-term maintenance costs for the IAF. This translates to better resource allocation within the national defence budget. Before 2028, expect to see the first “Made in India” Rafale components rolling out of domestic facilities.

What’s Next

The formal bid for the 114 MRFA project is expected to be submitted by mid-2026. Then, the first Rafale-Marine jets for the Indian Navy will arrive in late 2026 to begin carrier-deck integration. Finally, the joint venture for the LEAP and M88 engine MRO will break ground in India by the third quarter of 2026.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

End…

Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source