Dassault Ready to Add Indian Weapons to Rafale Jets, But Withholds Full Source Code Access Citing Intellectual Proprietary

French aerospace major Dassault Aviation has affirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to integrate indigenously developed weapons onto its Rafale fighter jets.

However, the company has clarified that it cannot provide access to the aircraft's critical source codes, citing proprietary ownership by its technology partners.

In a significant assurance for India's domestic defence industry, Dassault officials confirmed that there are no restrictions on the types or number of Indian weapons that can be fitted onto the Rafale.

This move aligns with New Delhi's "Make in India" initiative, which aims to enhance national self-reliance by equipping foreign military platforms with locally produced systems.

The Rafale's open architecture design is said to facilitate the integration of a variety of munitions, including future systems from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), such as the advanced Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.

The primary point of contention, however, remains the access to the Rafale's source code. Access to these codes is crucial for true technological autonomy, as it would allow Indian engineers to independently modify, upgrade, and integrate systems without external assistance.

Dassault officials stated that the source code for the Rafale's sophisticated AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, developed by European tech firm Thales, is proprietary technology. As the manufacturer of the aircraft, Dassault does not have the authority to share these protected codes.

This position presents a complex balance in the Indo-French defence partnership. While Dassault offers full support for joint integration projects, the denial of source code access means India remains dependent on the original equipment manufacturers for key software modifications.

This limitation could influence negotiations for future acquisitions, including the planned purchase of 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy, a deal that was finalized in April 2025.

The development underscores a persistent challenge in international defence procurement, where nations seeking self-sufficiency must navigate the commercial and intellectual property rights of global defence corporations.

Indian defence officials will likely assess the long-term implications, potentially exploring alternative pathways such as negotiating directly with technology providers like Thales or investing further in indigenous capabilities to bridge the technology gap.

 

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[sanket]

Oh no, source code and third-party weapon integration, plus future upgrade autonomy with OEM permission and help, is key. Dassault needs to be flexible; otherwise, the Su-57 option is there, which is a dark horse.

 

[Hawkeye]

No way, we shouldn’t show any leniency to OEMs who don’t meet the requirement criteria set by MoD. Now we can expect a better offer from Airbus on EF Typhoon, SAAB Gripen, and Lockheed. Without MoD access to radar source code, how would you guide a missile with an AESA seeker and two-way data link like Astra Mk3? You can’t do two-way data exchange, mid-course guidance, and seeker cueing without changing the radar source code. Dassault wanted us to rely on Meteor indefinitely.

 

[Enforcer]

Basically they are saying, we (dassault) will do it for you. We won't show you how to do it.

It makes sense. They are running a business and want to stay in business in future. They are not gonna give up all their tech so you can take over their business in future.

 

[Flanker]

Yeah and give the west critical information about our weapons, no thanks Dassualt

 

[Sandeep]

We were going to install the Uttam radar on the naval rafale jets but dassault were asking a very high price to try and install and certify it as that takes time and money. The price was much less if we just used its original radar and technology.

 

[titun]

India should not go for any further purchase of Rafle jets . Only thing to do is to upgrade & integration of the already purchased fleet with indigenous devloped weapons. In today's volatile situation any foreign military product without full access to modification/ integration/ replacement , is of no use.

 

[FROST]

Why don't the Government of India throw some more dollars to the firms like Thales and get the source codes. After all they need more money and let us pay if the kitty is adequate

 

[s James]

No way, we shouldn’t show any leniency to OEMs who don’t meet the requirement criteria set by MoD. Now we can expect a better offer from Airbus on EF Typhoon, SAAB Gripen, and Lockheed. Without MoD access to radar source code, how would you guide a missile with an AESA seeker and two-way data link like Astra Mk3? You can’t do two-way data exchange, mid-course guidance, and seeker cueing without changing the radar source code. Dassault wanted us to rely on Meteor indefinitely.

True IAF should understand this Reality to Support Alternatives choices for Smooth operation during war Time
It's critical for IAF to handle PLA AF

 

[bks78]

IAF has not disclosed that Indian Rafael was integrated with Meteor missile or not. Dassault has tested Meteor integration with Marine Rafael yesterday. People are confused and not happy of this. Is this reason of Rafael shot down?

 

[FROST]

IAF has not disclosed that Indian Rafael was integrated with Meteor missile or not. Dassault has tested Meteor integration with Marine Rafael yesterday. People are confused and not happy of this. Is this reason of Rafael shot down?

You are getting confused. How can Meteor missile can be used in op Sindoor when France itself has tested only now.

 

[Senapati]

It Dassult helps in integration of Indigenious Avionics like Radar and EWS missiles and armaments that solve our purpose.

 

[Govind Kumar Bhattacharya]

Why the source code provision not included in the purchase contract / agreement...is it a post thought???

 

[Capt Mahendra]

The people who are involved in Raphael deal should have sorted all these things before placing the order and payment. Now it's too late to request for consideration. This they should cancel the Marine version order and sign the deal with our all time friend Russia for Su57 which is with a dream offer of all inclusive production in India,which is also very suitable for marine deployment too. Plus it's a far superior machine than Raphael. I don't know why these beurocrates are still wasting their time with Raphael and putting the country at risk when China's arming of Pakistan with its 5th Gen aircraft and also hypersonic missile fitted in it. Wake up India and move fast with Russian Su57 get 40 of the shelf and the rest 100 manufacture in HAL. While their AMCA is developed at the tortoise pace which will make it redundant by the time it comes into service by 2040🥺.

 

[jude]

Basically they are saying, we (dassault) will do it for you. We won't show you how to do it.

It makes sense. They are running a business and want to stay in business in future. They are not gonna give up all their tech so you can take over their business in future.

They should have refused during the limitation as the specification would clearly asked for it. French are good at deviating from original terms citing queer reasons, they did it earlier on sharing critical information on engines when the deal was to clearly share 100% ToT. They hid under grey areas. Stop trusting French to deliver what they quote. Better to fast track SU30 upgrades and Tejas MK2, US churned out 100s of planes just before World war 2. Indian private sector has capability to manufacture it faster than Rafale.