India-France Rafale fighter deal

In late July 2026 India and France agreed to a restructured purchase of 114 Rafale multi‑role fighters. The new arrangement places full responsibility for the jets on Dassault, allows the French firm to select its Indian partners, and earmarks co‑production of fuselage sections by Tata Advanced Systems from 2028. Indigenous weapons such as the Astra air‑to‑air missile and the BrahMos‑NG cruise missile will be integrated, and the programme aims to expand the Indian Air Force’s fleet to 176 aircraft while boosting domestic aerospace capability.

By early August 2026 France had submitted its final technical and commercial proposal for the deal, outlining a split delivery: 94 aircraft to be built in India under the Make in India programme and 20 fly‑away jets to meet urgent needs. The proposal includes extensive technology transfer, indigenous content targets of 50‑60 percent, and participation by French firms Dassault, Safran, Thales and MBDA. The Indian Defence Ministry and Air Force are reviewing the offer, moving the arrangement toward a formal government‑to‑government contract that would make India one of the largest Rafale operators.