Dassault Rafale ‘Absolutely Key’: Emmanuel Macron Defends India’s 114-Jet Proposal

French President Emmanuel Macron has defended India’s proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets, rejecting criticism of the plan and calling the aircraft “absolutely key” to defence cooperation between Paris and New Delhi.

His remarks come as India evaluates options to strengthen its air combat capability. The proposed purchase falls under the Indian Air Force’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, aimed at addressing a widening gap in squadron strength. The Indian Air Force currently operates 31 fighter squadrons against an officially sanctioned strength of 42, a shortfall that defence planners have repeatedly acknowledged.

Macron framed the Rafale proposal not merely as a procurement decision but as part of a broader strategic partnership. “I don’t understand why people are criticising the deal. It will make your country stronger, enhance strategic relations between the two nations, and create more jobs here,” he said.

Under the structure being discussed, 18 aircraft would be delivered in fly-away condition by Dassault Aviation. The remaining jets would be manufactured in India under a phased production arrangement. This model shifts a significant portion of production activity to India rather than limiting the agreement to direct imports.

The estimated value of the 114-aircraft package stands at approximately ₹3.25 trillion, or about $35.65 billion. Detailed technical and commercial negotiations are expected to define the final configuration and production responsibilities.

Indigenous Participation

Around 50 per cent indigenous content is expected in the aircraft assembled in India. Macron indicated that France is prepared to ensure substantial Indian participation within the supply chain, including integration of locally manufactured components and systems.

The approach mirrors earlier defence collaborations between the two countries, where technology transfer and phased localisation accompanied equipment acquisition. For India, such arrangements align with ongoing efforts to expand domestic defence manufacturing capability.

Linking procurement to industrial participation allows the programme to serve both operational and economic objectives. The emphasis on local production has become a central element in major defence contracts in recent years.

Existing Rafale Fleet

India already operates 36 Rafale fighter aircraft inducted under an earlier intergovernmental agreement. Those jets are deployed with frontline squadrons of the Indian Air Force.

In addition, India has signed a separate agreement to acquire 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The naval contract, valued at ₹64,000 crore, is intended to strengthen carrier-based aviation capability and introduce the marine variant of the platform into Indian service.

If the 114-aircraft proposal moves forward, the Rafale fleet would expand significantly across both air and naval arms, reinforcing its role within India’s defence architecture.

Submarine Collaboration

The report also highlights ongoing cooperation in submarine construction. France is seeking to finalise a programme involving three additional Scorpene-class submarines to be built in partnership with India’s Mazagon Dock Limited and France’s Naval Group.

Under Project 75, six Scorpene submarines have already been constructed through Indo-French collaboration. The submarine programme has followed a phased model of local production, with gradual integration of Indian industry.

Macron suggested that the structure being discussed for the fighter jets reflects a similar framework, combining acquisition with domestic industrial participation.
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Strategic Considerations

By describing the Rafale as “absolutely key,” Macron underscored the aircraft’s importance within the broader defence relationship between India and France. Cooperation between the two countries spans air power, maritime security and defence technology.

For India, the proposed acquisition addresses an acknowledged gap in squadron strength while expanding domestic manufacturing involvement. For France, the programme would deepen an established defence partnership and reinforce long-term industrial ties.

Final decisions, including delivery timelines and contractual specifics, remain subject to negotiation. No detailed schedule has been publicly disclosed.

For now, the 114-jet proposal remains under discussion. Macron’s remarks signal strong French support for moving the plan forward, positioning the Rafale not only as a fighter aircraft acquisition but as a continuation of an expanding strategic partnership.