India to Manufacture Rafale Jets Domestically; Government Approves 114 Aircraft Deal

• India's Defence Procurement Board approved acquiring 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France, valued at $39 billion, marking India's largest defense agreement.
• The deal emphasizes 'Make in India', with 12-18 jets arriving ready-to-fly and the remaining 96 manufactured domestically in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems.
• Tata's Hyderabad plant will produce Rafale fuselages, aiming for 60% indigenous content, with the first indigenous airframe expected by FY2028.
• Rafale was chosen for its strategic fit, existing infrastructure, and France's flexibility on source code and technology transfer, reducing logistical costs.
• The acquisition will significantly boost the Indian Air Force's squadron strength, adding 6 new squadrons and increasing total Rafales to 176 (150 IAF + 26 Navy).

Why It Matters: India's $39 billion Rafale deal boosts defense, local manufacturing, and self-reliance in aerospace.