India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy, including 22 single-seater and four twin-seater variants. The agreement also covers training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, performance-based logistics, and additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet.
As part of the agreement, a production facility for Rafale fuselage and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons will be established in India. The deal includes provisions for the Transfer of Technology related to the integration of indigenous weapons systems. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2030, with crew training taking place in both France and India.
The agreement was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, with copies exchanged by Indian and French officials in New Delhi on April 28, 2025. The acquisition also aims to involve Indian MSMEs in production and maintenance activities.
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-capable fighter aircraft. According to the company, the Rafale-Marine shares operational similarities with the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet, which is expected to optimize training and logistics efforts.
Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated, “On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to thank the Indian authorities, with whom we have been working for more than 70 years, for their confidence in us and reaffirm our unwavering determination to stand by their side to contribute to India’s expression of its sovereign power, its strategic challenges and its ambitious vision of the future.”
Dassault Aviation, based in France, designs, produces, and supports military and civil aircraft, including the Rafale fighter and Falcon business jets. In 2024, the company reported sales of EUR 6.2 billion and employs approximately 14,600 people.
Dassault Aviation has been expanding its presence in India, leveraging the country’s manufacturing capabilities and aligning with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative. This engagement allows Dassault to diversify its global supply chain while contributing to key military programs.
In 2017, Dassault Aviation and Reliance Group established a joint venture called Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) in Nagpur. The facility, operational for several years, manufactures critical components such as engine doors and rudders for the Rafale fighter jets. This partnership has played an important role in fostering the growth of an indigenous aerospace manufacturing base in India.
Beyond its joint venture with Reliance, Dassault collaborates with more than 60 Indian suppliers, including companies like Dynamatic Technologies and Aerolloy. These partnerships go beyond fulfilling offset obligations from defense contracts; they integrate Indian firms into Dassault’s broader global production ecosystem.
To enhance its support infrastructure for the Indian Air Force, Dassault established Dassault Aviation MRO India (DAMROI) in Noida. This maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility ensures faster and more localized maintenance for aircraft such as the Mirage 2000 and Rafale.
As global supply chains become more complex, Dassault views India as a strategic location to strengthen its supply chain resilience. With a robust manufacturing ecosystem and skilled workforce, India allows Dassault to secure key components while reducing its dependence on traditional supply sources.
Following the recent approval of a deal to procure 26 additional Rafale jets, Dassault’s sourcing from India is expected to increase. There are even discussions about the possibility of establishing a full assembly line in India, which would represent a significant move towards deep localization of fighter jet production.
Dassault Aviation’s ongoing engagement with India reflects a strategic shift — from meeting contractual obligations to establishing a comprehensive manufacturing and support base. As India’s defense sector continues to grow and demand for advanced aerospace capabilities rises, Dassault’s partnerships with Indian companies are likely to play a central role in its global operations.