New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron has defended India’s proposed acquisition and co production of 114 Rafale fighter jets, asserting that the agreement would strengthen India’s military capabilities while deepening strategic ties between the two nations. Speaking in New Delhi, Macron dismissed criticism surrounding the mega defence proposal and described it as a mutually beneficial partnership.
He emphasised that the programme would reinforce defence cooperation under the India France Special Global Strategic Partnership and generate employment opportunities in both countries. A strong focus on domestic manufacturing will form a central pillar of the arrangement, aligning with India’s push to expand indigenous defence production. Macron underlined that a significant share of components and critical systems would be produced in India as part of the co production model.
India recently cleared the long pending plan to procure 114 Rafale jets through a government to government framework with France. Under the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft project, 18 aircraft are expected to be delivered in fly away condition by Dassault Aviation, while the remaining jets will be manufactured in India in phases with substantial indigenous content. Commercial and technical negotiations are still underway, and final contract details have not yet been disclosed. Reports indicate the overall value of the deal could run into trillions of rupees.
The acquisition comes as the strength of the Indian Air Force has declined to 31 fighter squadrons, below the sanctioned level of 42. India has already inducted 36 Rafale jets into the Air Force and placed orders for 26 naval variants for the Indian Navy.
France is also seeking to expand defence collaboration beyond fighter aircraft. Discussions are underway for the joint construction of three additional Scorpene class submarines by Mazagon Dock Limited in partnership with Naval Group, building on earlier cooperation under Project 75.
