India Plans to Manufacture 96 Rafale F4 Jets Under 114 MRFA Deal, Targets 60% Indigenous Content by End of Production Cycle

India’s Ministry of Defence is fast-tracking a monumental overhaul of its aerial combat capabilities through the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) initiative.

Valued at an estimated ₹3.25 lakh crore and recently granted an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by the Defence Acquisition Council, the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets aims to do more than simply increase aircraft numbers.

It represents a strategic pivot towards building a robust, self-reliant aerospace ecosystem within the country.

At the heart of this historic acquisition is a massive push for domestic manufacturing.

The agreement stipulates that while 18 fighters will be purchased directly from France’s Dassault Aviation in a fly-away condition, the remaining 96 will be built on Indian soil alongside a local industrial partner.

This approach departs from traditional import models, aiming for at least 60% indigenous components by the time the production run concludes.

This level of localisation is expected to deeply integrate Indian companies into global supply chains and significantly boost domestic system integration capabilities.

The jets slated for the Indian Air Force will be of the advanced Rafale F4 standard, offering a major technological leap over the F3R variants currently in service.

A primary focus of the F4 configuration is superior data processing and sensor fusion.

By seamlessly merging information from various onboard and external sensors, the aircraft provides pilots with a highly comprehensive view of the battlefield, enabling faster decision-making in highly complex, modern combat scenarios.

A standout feature of this technological upgrade is the integration of the cutting-edge RBE2 XG Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

This sophisticated system delivers extended detection capabilities, sharper tracking resolution, and heightened resilience against enemy electronic jamming.

Furthermore, the F4 variant boasts upgraded satellite communication links, allowing for secure, beyond-line-of-sight data sharing. This ensures the fighter can operate effectively as a central command node, continuously exchanging real-time intelligence with land, sea, and space assets.

The MRFA procurement is uniquely designed with the future in mind, featuring a clear upgrade path to the upcoming Rafale F5 standard.

Currently in development, the F5 is heavily geared towards manned-unmanned teaming. This capability will permit the fighter pilot to command and operate alongside semi-autonomous drones, which can be deployed ahead of the main aircraft for high-risk electronic warfare, reconnaissance, or offensive strike missions.

This future-ready framework pairs perfectly with India's own ongoing military projects, most notably the CATS Warrior unmanned combat drone programme.

By ensuring future Rafale variants can seamlessly direct these domestic drone systems, the Indian Air Force will achieve unprecedented operational flexibility.

Ultimately, this investment tackles both immediate and long-term security needs: it promptly addresses the critical shortage in active fighter squadrons while permanently establishing the advanced industrial foundation required to sustain the nation's aerospace defence sector for decades to come.

 

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[Spitfire9]

Dassult is leading the project and setting up it's FAL in India. Primary site will be at Nagpur.
TASL is their major partner and they're gonna produce the fuselage sections. HAL will be part of tech and arms integration.

In Feb 2026, AoN is being granted by DAC. Now probably work for RFP is in progress which will end up with CCS Approval.

Thanks for that clarification.

Is GOI going to fast track the bureaucracy - examining RFP response, negotiating a proposed deal, presenting it to CCS for approval etc? Unless procedural steps are fast, I guess it could be a year or more before things start happening after CCS approval.

 

[atg]

U$10 billions yearly not enough to maintain Mumbai city?
marginalized community ?? they are the most priviliged community.

First of all, like I said you have damn no idea on what the municipal does.

You think all they do is pick up trash and clean gutters? Think again.

Yeah it's not enough. Go research it yourself.

Not only myself the previous government/ Current government and the Singapore's lee Kuan yew think the same.

It's just damn impossible to get it passed in both parliaments.

Go research before talking about a subject with no knowledge.


2. Yeah? Privileges huh? Go into the society (especially rural india) and say you are a lower caste. Go visit tramples as one. Haha enjoy the “privileges” if you like them so much

 

[S Dharan]

"The kind of you need urgent crash course on how to co-exist as human in this deeply divided country whose divide is the end product of your malignant mindset."

Who said others shouldnt exisit?? dont hallucinate as you are retard and low IQ Let me sumamrise for you.
ONLY and ONLY MERIT based engineers can produce better and faster results and those environment exist in private firms not PSUs at all.
if it hurts your feeling so be it as i dont control your feelings. i just state

@atg
The 'merit-only' argument ignores that for over a millennium, the most privileged groups held absolute control over education and governance. If 'fitness' were inherent to a single group, India would have led the world in science and technology centuries ago. Instead, that era saw stagnation because talent from 75% of the population (SC/ST/OBC) was systematically suppressed. True progress doesn't come from a narrow elite; it comes from unlocking the potential of the entire country through representation, which finally allows for the diverse innovation we missed for 1,500 years."

 

[atg]

@atg
The 'merit-only' argument ignores that for over a millennium, the most privileged groups held absolute control over education and governance. If 'fitness' were inherent to a single group, India would have led the world in science and technology centuries ago. Instead, that era saw stagnation because talent from 75% of the population (SC/ST/OBC) was systematically suppressed. True progress doesn't come from a narrow elite; it comes from unlocking the potential of the entire country through representation, which finally allows for the diverse innovation we missed for 1,500 years."

First of all, let's not pretend what happened a thousand years ago holds any significance. Otherwise every group can be made a victim and every group a suppressor.

Sure, what you say sounds wonderful. But in reality breads inefficiencies and getting “set” mindset. The crippled pau and government agencies sure have many other reasons for their state but reservation is a damn big one as well.


The only way it'll be achieved is through education and betterment of the people not reservation. Only handful of people would be helped by it.

It has done jack squat other then benifit only a handful of people.most of The benifits are taken by a class in st/obc community which are already quite privileged.


Reservation was and is a failed policy to achieve it's objectives.

A blanket education and uplifting scheme should take it's place for the poor. I have addressed the same in the previous comment

 

[Spitfire9]

Not adding to the debate here but, not being Indian, what exactly is reservation? Places reserved for certain people? If so, on what basis? Any enlightenment appreciated.

 

[ronin-desi]

Not adding to the debate here but, not being Indian, what exactly is reservation? Places reserved for certain people? If so, on what basis? Any enlightenment appreciated.

In India, certain section of demography gets preferential treatment in education, jobs and lots of govt welfare schemes. Even laws are bent backward to accomodate them against rest.
Like kid with only 60% marks ends up in select university places where other kid with 98% marks cannot as that place given to kid from that "special" community.
Both are low income family though.
Lots undeserving candidates ends up at wrong places and promoted too with affirmations.

me and others against it, skills and IQ doesnt grow with family status but sheer study and hard discipline. just because state pampered my family, kids would be good in studies??
in last 78 years diverse innovation we missed for 1,500 years are showing up ??

Same like African-American affirmation, USA so rich and resourceful but look at the state of black community they are going backward while new Nigerian kid landing in USA and going leaps and bounds to top. They have been given all the benefits, DEI placements but they speak even proper english!!

its wrong way to go about it. that's all. Otherwise all Indian brothers and sisters grow which is ood for nation.
One genius grow to top, open business and employ rest. every one is winner!!
I dont want to be brain surgeon because of my caste and creed ONLY and ONLY if i am capable!!

 

[Virochana]

I feel they are misrepresenting and spoiling tax payers money as most of the Engine related technologies already given by me and so also anti-Stealth AESA Radars and most of the Avionics and Missiles and Seeker technology for all weather Gliding better than 500 Kms Hammer Missile and 300 Kms Israeli Rocks Missile as my Seeker technology can be used on Brahmos for 750 Kms range. What kind of ecosystem they want to build when it already exists there in India. Instead French planes may be bought without any technology transfer and Old Eurofighters Tranche 3 & 4 for 800 Crore per plane and Russian Su57M1 for 500 Crore per plane and Mig 35 with 2.5 Soloviev D30 F6 Modernised Engines may be purchased for 190 Crore per plane. Eurofighter be bought with blue print and source codes of Tranche 5 Version software. Russian planes be bought with technology transfer & blue print.
No Doubt planes are required in large numbers and need to be purchased but at what cost and which planes need to be bought is main thing.

This infatuation for Puny , obsolete, mediocre, super expensive French plane is inexplicable, some does not look right. Hope good sense prevails and we dump this french toys. The Su57 with full manufacturing in Bharat is the most sensible option. Jai Bharat, Jai Hind!

 

[Virochana]

Not adding to the debate here but, not being Indian, what exactly is reservation? Places reserved for certain people? If so, on what basis? Any enlightenment appreciated.

Good question but wrong forum sir!

 

[Virochana]

Whatever they do, please do it fast.
Tejas mk1a is in doldrums due to engines, Tejas mk2 is still shatting on the bed, it was supposed to be our Medium Category fighter jet. Su30MKI is a heavy fighter jet and it should be used on exclusive missions and not on reconnaissance and other monitoring duties.

Get 114 rafales for IAF, get 31 odd Marine variant Navy, get 54 or 72 Su57M1 and then just focus on Tejas, Ghatak, FUFA, AMCA and FCAS.
Additional 6 squdrons of Rafale and 3/4 squadrons of Su57 will arrive by 2030-2033...so by then even if we get rid of 6 squadrons of Jags, we will have 33 squadrons of Su30MKI, Rafale, Su57, Mig29, Mirage2000, Tejas mk1 and hopefully by then we will have 3-4 squadrons of Tejas mk1a and maybe 1 of Tejas mk2 ready.

Please the Rafales will be useless for Bharat, low ceiling cannot fly against China, slow climb rate no agility, low speed as seen in operation Sindoor. This plane selected by Soniaji and team is a white elephants.. Iranian are showing how to defend one's country hope we can learn from them. They have put two mighty US Aircraft carrier out of action, shot down several F35, 1 F22. Hope good sense prevails. Jai Bharat! Jai Hind!

 

[Spitfire9]

@ronin-desi
Thanks.

 

[Vivek_Singh]

Please the Rafales will be useless for Bharat, low ceiling cannot fly against China, slow climb rate no agility, low speed as seen in operation Sindoor. This plane selected by Soniaji and team is a white elephants.. Iranian are showing how to defend one's country hope we can learn from them. They have put two mighty US Aircraft carrier out of action, shot down several F35, 1 F22. Hope good sense prevails. Jai Bharat! Jai Hind!

Agree, but whats the alternative ?
We wouldn't have been in this situation if HAL hadn't spending 70% of their time on chai samosa.

 

[Vivek_Singh]

Thanks for that clarification.

Is GOI going to fast track the bureaucracy - examining RFP, negotiating a proposed deal, presenting it to CCS for approval etc? Unless procedural steps are fast, I guess it could be a year or more before things start happening after CCS approval.

Discussions are happening to speedup.
GOI take decisions usually with care as there is severe vigilance and anti corruption boards eye on such deals.
Lets see how things pan out.

 

[S Dharan]

First of all, let's not pretend what happened a thousand years ago holds any significance. Otherwise every group can be made a victim and every group a suppressor.

Sure, what you say sounds wonderful. But in reality breads inefficiencies and getting “set” mindset. The crippled pau and government agencies sure have many other reasons for their state but reservation is a damn big one as well.


The only way it'll be achieved is through education and betterment of the people not reservation. Only handful of people would be helped by it.

It has done jack squat other then benifit only a handful of people.most of The benifits are taken by a class in st/obc community which are already quite privileged.


Reservation was and is a failed policy to achieve it's objectives.

A blanket education and uplifting scheme should take it's place for the poor. I have addressed the same in the previous comment

First of all, let's not pretend what happened a thousand years ago holds any significance. Otherwise every group can be made a victim and every group a suppressor.

Sure, what you say sounds wonderful. But in reality breads inefficiencies and getting “set” mindset. The crippled pau and government agencies sure have many other reasons for their state but reservation is a damn big one as well.


The only way it'll be achieved is through education and betterment of the people not reservation. Only handful of people would be helped by it.

It has done jack squat other then benifit only a handful of people.most of The benifits are taken by a class in st/obc community which are already quite privileged.


Reservation was and is a failed policy to achieve it's objectives.

A blanket education and uplifting scheme should take it's place for the poor. I have addressed the same in the previous comment

The frustration in this debate often stems from looking at individuals rather than the math of the whole nation. While it feels unfair when two low-income students are treated differently, reservation was designed as a tool for representation, not just poverty relief.

In reality, the SC, ST, and OBC communities make up roughly 70% to 80% of the population but are generally capped at 50% of the seats. This means the remaining 50% of seats are open to a minority group that constitutes only about 20% of the population. From a policymaker's view, this 50% open pool acts as a cushion for merit, while the reserved half ensures that the majority of the country isn't entirely locked out of the halls of power.

 

[Vivek_Singh]

In reality, the SC, ST, and OBC communities make up roughly 70% to 80% of the population but are generally capped at 50% of the seats. This means the remaining 50% of seats are open to a minority group that constitutes only about 20% of the population. From a policymaker's view, this 50% open pool acts as a cushion for merit, while the reserved half ensures that the majority of the country isn't entirely locked out of the halls of power.

The issue is not with the "reservation" anymore, but rather the lack of ability of the "reserved" candidates.
Many reserved families are using this card for generations, and are pushing mediocre talent in the system, which is overall impacting the key sectors of our country.

Reservation has to be limited, it cant and shouldn't infinitely flow to generations. Plus also reservation needs to be given either at education or at job level...giving the same at both will kill the drive to go extra mile.

 

[S Dharan]

The issue is not with the "reservation" anymore, but rather the lack of ability of the "reserved" candidates.
Many reserved families are using this card for generations, and are pushing mediocre talent in the system, which is overall impacting the key sectors of our country.

Reservation has to be limited, it cant and shouldn't infinitely flow to generations. Plus also reservation needs to be given either at education or at job level...giving the same at both will kill the drive to go extra mile.

FIrat of all, Mediocrity is not a patented trait of scstor.obc. just as excellence is not a patented trait of the upper class. Unprivileged families has Been given this redressal, not previlege because they have been kept at the bottom for thousands of years and being subjected to most inhuman treatment imaginable.
The aim of every fair society is to find a balance between progress and inclusive upliftment. without inclusion and representation progress becomes meaningless.

 

[Vivek_Singh]

FIrat of all, Mediocrity is not a patented trait of scstor.obc. just as excellence is not a patented trait of the upper class. Unprivileged families has Been given this redressal, not previlege because they have been kept at the bottom for thousands of years and being subjected to most inhuman treatment imaginable.
The aim of every fair society is to find a balance between progress and inclusive upliftment. without inclusion and representation progress becomes meaningless.

You didnt understand my point.
I stated that lack of ability of "reserved" candidates....it doesn't imply that all sc, st, obc are incapable....and while meritocracy isnt the trait of Upper class, they will not even come in the system if they're not capable.

Upper class students have more to lose, hence they give their every inch of effort to come in the system. Reserved students have nothing to lose in most cases, hence, even though they are capable, they dont "need" to put more effort coz system is "rigged".

A "rigged" system which doesnt support meritocracy, it will always remain mediocre. And thats what we are seeing with the quality in PSUs, which in turn in crippling our overall defence ecosystem.

And the bullet or missile from enemy nation wont discriminate before exploding if you're from sc, st, obc or gen.

IMO, just like Defence, there should be zero reservation in defence related sectors. We can still somehow manage internal matters, but in terms of security and safety of citizens, there should be no compromise. Only the best of the best should be in. Irrespective of which category they belong to.

 

[S Dharan]

Lot of ur arguments are baseless and not supported by data. Infact there are very few PSUs that can be termed laggard or not upto mark. Like HAL for eg. But then there is DRDO, there is BDL there is Mazagoan Dock, Cochin Shipyard etc... to list a few. How do u rate their performance? These are all behemoths dealing in military manufacturing right? Did any of Pakistani fired projectiles made its landings in our soil? Now do you think it's because the inefficiency of reserved category was counterbalanced by egficiency of the unreserved class? Also tell me honestly are u disappointed with any of these PSUs I have mentioned.

What I learn from ur argument is underperfromance of reserved class is infact a an overblown pretext to vilify reservation. It has no support of the DATA.

 

[Vivek_Singh]

So now we're considering Pakistan as the benchmark to compare ourselves.
Navy PSU's are directly headed by Naval officers and they work based on the designs given by Warship Design Bureau. DRDO too was delayed in preparing their AIP and that's why Kalvari was overhauled without the AIP and hence Khanderi became the first scorpene ship to get AIP.

Sharang Artillery guns were a failure as well, where it had mechanical, electrical, electronic and metallurgical defect.

Indian Army Halts Sharang Artillery Guns Induction Over Quality Defects, Modernisation Hit

The Indian Army has paused induction of Sharang artillery guns after defects were found in key components. The setback raises questions over India’s artillery modernisation and the Sharang upgrade programme.

rnamedia.in

ISRO too is struggling to push the projectiles in space, leading to reduction in our NAVIC system.

Anyway, just leave the discussion here. Private sector companies like Kalyani Group, TASL, SSS Defence are able to create better equipments than PSU's. I hope gradually we get more players in Pvt sector, let the PSU's either innovate or die their natural death.

 

[Muks]

No Rafale have been ordered yet, have they? I imagine that the squadron to be built in France would be delivered before 2033. Even if the Make in India deal were signed today, it would take 5 years to build the FAL, manufacture and roll out the first production aircraft, I guess.

I haven't kept up - has a company to build the Indian Rafales been selected?

Not 5 years. DRAL is already owned by Dassault in India. They build Falcon jets. Infra is alteady there. Just a matter of switching roles. Expect first airplane to roll out in three years from date of contract. And no, HAL will not be involved, so the timeline is realistic.

 

[S Dharan]

So now we're considering Pakistan as the benchmark to compare ourselves.
Navy PSU's are directly headed by Naval officers and they work based on the designs given by Warship Design Bureau. DRDO too was delayed in preparing their AIP and that's why Kalvari was overhauled without the AIP and hence Khanderi became the first scorpene ship to get AIP.

Sharang Artillery guns were a failure as well, where it had mechanical, electrical, electronic and metallurgical defect.

Indian Army Halts Sharang Artillery Guns Induction Over Quality Defects, Modernisation Hit

The Indian Army has paused induction of Sharang artillery guns after defects were found in key components. The setback raises questions over India’s artillery modernisation and the Sharang upgrade programme.

rnamedia.in

ISRO too is struggling to push the projectiles in space, leading to reduction in our NAVIC system.

Anyway, just leave the discussion here. Private sector companies like Kalyani Group, TASL, SSS Defence are able to create better equipments than PSU's. I hope gradually we get more players in Pvt sector, let the PSU's either innovate or die their natural death.

I never ever wanted these talks as it puts an unnecessary strain on otherwise peaceful state. But some times we have to because the kind of language and tone authoritativeness exhibited force us to react in equal.measure. so as u said it's a full stop.