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Recent clarifications from Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh have provided renewed transparency and confidence regarding India’s strategic plan to procure additional Rafale fighter jets.
While various media outlets had speculated about reduced levels of domestic involvement, the Defence Secretary has firmly corrected these narratives.
He addressed the specifics of the upcoming 'Make in India' Rafale programme, dismissing earlier misconceptions and underscoring the government's robust negotiating position to ensure maximum benefit for the local industry.
During a recent press interaction, Defence Secretary Singh stated that the indigenous content in the Rafale aircraft—scheduled to be manufactured outside France for the first time—will aim for approximately 50%, significantly higher than the figures previously rumoured.
He revealed that Dassault Aviation initially proposed a localisation level of around 40%. However, as formal discussions proceed, India is committed to pushing this figure to 50% or more.
This target is not merely statistical; it represents a calculated move toward greater self-reliance in operating and maintaining one of the world's most sophisticated fighter jet platforms.
This clarification follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s (DAC) recent granting of the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). This approval is a critical step in enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
The proposed arrangement suggests that while a small number of jets will be delivered in 'fly-away' condition directly from France, the vast majority will be built domestically in partnership with Indian firms.
The programme is being structured as a transparent government-to-government agreement, which removes intermediaries and guarantees India the sovereign authority to integrate its own weapons and systems—a feature Singh highlighted as a cornerstone of the project.
For observers of India’s defence sector, this progression serves as a significant maturity milestone for the 'Make in India' initiative.
Unlike previous procurements that focused primarily on assembly, this deal emphasises deep technology absorption and local manufacturing from the start.
A higher percentage of indigenous content translates to increased employment opportunities, more resilient supply chains, and sovereign control over future upgrades and maintenance.
The Defence Secretary’s direct intervention serves to reassure the public that the negotiations are being actively managed to prioritise national security and industrial growth.
Achieving nearly 50% indigenous content would mark a paradigm shift in how India executes major defence aviation contracts.
In practical terms, this level of localisation typically encompasses the manufacturing of airframes, structural parts, complex wiring, avionics sub-assemblies, and software integration.
Furthermore, open-source reports indicate that this deal is likely to be a key agenda item during French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India this week, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
