2 Rafale Per Month: Dassault Seeks Full Control of India Facility, Promises Speedier Production

Dassault Aviation, the French company behind the powerful Rafale fighter jet, has its eyes on a bigger piece of India's growing aerospace industry. They've made a bold move, offering to start building Rafales right in India – but there's a catch. Dassault wants full control of its existing Indian partnership, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL).

The Promise: Faster Jets for India​

Why does Dassault think this is a good deal for India? They claim that with full ownership, they could ramp up production and build two Rafale jets every month at their Indian facility. That's huge! If they keep that pace, India could get all 114 jets it wants for its upcoming fighter jet competition in just five years.

A Reality Check​

Hold on a second, says a defense analyst. He points out that Dassault's factory in France only managed to produce 13 Rafales in 2023, even though they aimed for 15. Could they really do so much better in India? Analyst also thinks that Dassault might be able to build even more jets (around 25 per year) in other countries.

Politics and Timing​

There's also the matter of India's upcoming elections. The official request for companies to compete for that big fighter jet contract probably won't happen until after the elections. This adds another layer of "wait-and-see" to the whole situation.

The Bottom Line​

Dassault wants to bring more investment to India's defense industry. But, there are questions! Can they really build jets as fast as they say? And, when will India even officially start that big jet fighter competition? India's government and air force will have a lot to think about as they weigh Dassault's offer against other options.

 

[Arz786]

How can the factory make Rafale without giving TOT to DRDO? Are you saying that it will assemble Rafales, not manufacture it? In that case, it is not useful

I think you are right. Govt. thought process seems to be favouring the employment generation aspect of indigenization in this case. In other words, they may okay local assembly under 100% foreign ownership without insisting on ToT / localization of critical technologies as long as 5000 or so employment is generated. Dassault argues that critical technologies such as engine, avionics, IRST, radar etc. are not with Dassault but with Safran, Thales etc. over which Dassault has no direct authority.

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

I think you are right. Govt. thought process seems to be favouring the employment generation aspect of indigenization in this case. In other words, they may okay local assembly under 100% foreign ownership without insisting on ToT / localization of critical technologies as long as 5000 or so employment is generated. Dassault argues that critical technologies such as engine, avionics, IRST, radar etc. are not with Dassault but with Safran, Thales etc. over which Dassault has no direct authority.

How much is the salary for employing 5000 people? If India directly gives salary instead of giving 90% to Dassault & only 10% as Indian salaries, doesn't it make more sense? It is unlikely that India will ever buy Rafale without full TOT or atleast room for fitting Kaveri engine. But looking at France, it has always been a major fraud which first tells big things and then does small things.

 

[Sridhar]

Look the logic is not correct that you make it sound that Rafale is like car dealership having no backlog and can buy as many you want.. Just ordering the things will take years, and further supplying them more time. Uttam is tested, and production variant is being made as already tested, Astra mk3 is in flight test as ground test have been done. Both products are awaited. Uttam should be by 2025 production variant, by 2026/27 the Astra mk3. So in no way rafale is available today, or next year, or the next making you statement incorrect, nor has any order for airforce variant placed that would legitimize that possibility. Your statement is speculative.

LOGIC says 1 bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush. Also you should know the difference between lying and logic. And let me tell you with all humility, I am good at logic. And most important I try to be practical in life. And you please wait for the 41st TEJAS MK1 A for UTTAM RADAR and a couple of years more for ASTARA MK2 , MK 3 Missiles to become operational.

 

[Akshat]

That is called development, not foreign contract. India is trying a phased substitution. But buying directly from Dassault controlled factory means India won't have control on the phased indigenisation by replacing it part by part. That is the difference. If you can't understand this, you need to take a break

Phased development after 40 years. And still barely able to meet the same levels as foreign vendors are ready to give in one stroke. Interesting.

 

[beencensured]

LOGIC says 1 bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush. Also you should know the difference between lying and logic. And let me tell you with all humility, I am good at logic. And most important I try to be practical in life. And you please wait for the 41st TEJAS MK1 A for UTTAM RADAR and a couple of years more for ASTARA MK2 , MK 3 Missiles to become operational.

And you will wait for Rafale order, and then wait again with iRafale's backlog of few years. Again with Uttam radar, they are making production varient so is in pipeline.

 

[BCharlie]

100% stake in DRAL ?? So total control in flow of technical data, tech information, design data, materials, metallurgy, production, funds & money movement etc; then yes.. they will consider local production using Indian labor force.. All hi tech engineers, finance & technical managers from France.. then making a cheaper version of Rafale to sell to African nations, specially French speaking nations.

 

[kumar]

So basically assemble in India. This trap needs to be avoided.

 

[alora23]

proposal for full control of the India facility to enhance Rafale production is strategic. However, it warrants careful consideration regarding technology transfer and national interests. Balancing efficiency with indigenous capability development is crucial for India's defense sector autonomy and long-term security objectives.

 

[alora23]

100% stake in DRAL ?? So total control in flow of technical data, tech information, design data, materials, metallurgy, production, funds & money movement etc; then yes.. they will consider local production using Indian labor force.. All hi tech engineers, finance & technical managers from France.. then making a cheaper version of Rafale to sell to African nations, specially French speaking nations. GB Whatsapp

Gaining full control of DRAL ensures seamless management of all technical and financial aspects, enabling efficient local production with Indian labor, while leveraging French expertise to create affordable Rafales for African markets.