India is moving closer to a potential $35 billion agreement with France to acquire 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets, with the majority of the aircraft expected to be manufactured locally.
Under the proposed deal, France would supply the first 20 Rafales, while the remaining 94 could be produced in India through partnerships with local companies. If completed, the arrangement would make India one of the major Rafale production centres outside France.
The deal is part of India’s broader strategy to expand domestic defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. India already operates 36 Rafale fighters and signed a $7.4 billion agreement in 2025 to acquire 26 Rafale Marine jets for its navy.
The development comes as several North African countries are also seeking to modernise their air forces with advanced fighter aircraft.
Egypt has become Africa’s largest Rafale operator, with a planned fleet of 54 aircraft. Morocco is considering several options, including France’s Rafale and the US-made F-35, while Algeria has opted for Russia’s Su-57E fifth-generation fighter.
The competition reflects growing demand for advanced combat aircraft across Africa and Asia, with France, the United States, Russia and China competing for influence in the global defence market.
For India, the proposed Rafale agreement could significantly strengthen its air power while creating new opportunities for local production, technology transfer and closer defence cooperation with France.
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