In a significant stride towards strengthening India's aerospace capabilities, French aerospace major Safran Aircraft Engines is poised to deepen its industrial footprint in the country.
The move is tied to the forthcoming procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) by the Indian Air Force (IAF), positioning India not just as a buyer but as a critical global hub for Rafale production and maintenance.
Deal Structure and Timeline
The proposed government-to-government agreement, estimated at approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore, outlines a two-phase delivery model.The initial tranche of 18 Rafale jets is expected to be delivered in a "fly-away" condition directly from France to meet immediate operational requirements.
The subsequent 96 aircraft will be manufactured domestically by Dassault Aviation in partnership with Indian entities.
Formalities for this strategic acquisition are projected to conclude by late 2026 or early 2027, pending final approvals from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
This timeline aligns with the IAF’s urgent need to arrest the depletion of its fighter squadrons and counter intensifying regional security threats.
Localized Engine Production
A cornerstone of this agreement is the extensive localization of the M88 turbofan engine.Safran is expected to produce approximately 200 engines (192 installed plus reserves) within India to power the domestically assembled fleet.
The deal targets an indigenous content ratio of 40–60% for these powerplants.
While the engine's "hot core"—the technologically sensitive high-pressure section—will continue to be sourced from France, Indian partners will manufacture a significant volume of wearable components and sub-systems.
This approach mirrors the successful model used for the AL-31F engines of the Su-30MKI fleet, assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This initiative complements Safran’s recent inauguration of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for M88 engines in Hyderabad, further reducing the IAF's reliance on foreign supply chains for long-term sustainment.
The "F4 Star" and Future-Proofing with T-Rex
The incoming Rafale fleet will likely be configured to a unique "F4 Star" (F4*) standard.This variant is tailored to specific Indian operational requirements, featuring an enhanced SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, advanced connectivity for net-centric warfare, and the integration of indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra missile family.
Crucially, the agreement includes a roadmap for future upgrades to the advanced "F5" standard, powered by the next-generation M88 T-Rex (Thrust Range Extension) engine.
The M88 T-Rex is being developed to deliver approximately 90kN of wet thrust—a 20% increase over the current 75kN baseline.
This boost is achieved through:
- Improved Airflow: A redesigned low-pressure compressor.
- Thermal Management: Advanced materials and cooling systems in the high-pressure turbine.
- Aerodynamics: Optimized nozzle geometry.
Strategic Implications
The adoption of the T-Rex engine will enable the Indian Rafale fleet to handle the heavier payloads and power demands of future combat scenarios, including the control of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs).This forward-looking provision ensures the Rafale remains a cutting-edge asset through the 2030s, acting as a potent bridge until India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) enters full-scale service.
