French aviation company Dassault Aviation SA is looking to acquire land near Jewar international airport in India to build a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for India’s Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters. This move paves the way for local production of the latest versions of fighters in India in order to meet the Indian Air Force’s long-standing need for about 100 twin-engine multi-role fighters over the next two decades.

Rafale
Image Source: Machine Maker

Despite political unrest in France, the French government and Dassault have formally expressed their commitment to producing Rafale fighters in India using locally sourced parts under the "Make in India" initiative to fulfill the Indian Air Force's requirements. Additionally, engine manufacturer Safran SA is setting up an MRO facility in Hyderabad to service Rafale fighter engines, with plans to manufacture the M-88 engines in India if the Indian Air Force places an order.

As India's own LCA Mark II with GE-414 engines won't be ready until the mid-2030s, the Rafale's fighters not only address India's needs but also offer potential for export to other countries. Dassault has already begun procuring titanium parts from Indian companies for Rafale fighter manufacturing and aims to involve more local suppliers in its production process.

Collaborative Manufacturing Efforts

Manufacturing Rafale fighters in India is seen as mutually beneficial, as Dassault currently has a significant number of fighter orders from various countries and is in talks with Saudi Arabia for additional supply. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 fighters, and the Indian Navy is negotiating prices for 26 Maritime Strike Rafales for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. India already has maintenance facilities, repair centers, training, and simulators for Rafales at its Ambala air base.

The Indian government also appreciates France's consistent licensing policy, which has ensured uninterrupted aircraft supplies since the Toofani fighter in 1953. Meanwhile, Safran is ready to enter into a joint venture with an Indian company to manufacture engines for Indian Multi-Role Helicopters (IMRH) and avoid reliance on third-party supplies.

In light of the aggressive stance of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its advanced fifth-generation J-20 fighters, the Indian Air Force realizes the urgency of enhancing its force levels. This is crucial as China rapidly increases its force levels on land, air, and sea. Therefore, the acquisition of advanced multi-role fighters is imperative for India's national security.

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