India has laid down non-negotiable clauses for French airplane maker Dassault on the method, together with the extent of switch of know-how, for making the subsequent tranche of 114 Rafale fighter jets in India.
Sources informed The Tribune that non-negotiables embody integration of Indian weapons, missiles and ammunition on all 114 jets; the airplane maker will present safe information hyperlinks to permit digital integration of the jets with Indian radars and sensors sending imagery to ground-based controllers.
These two clauses look innocuous however want the airplane maker to weave in a seamless command system for weapons and in addition for sending and receiving information. This may want the airplane maker to introduce adjustments to the software program of the onboard computing system of the jet.
Additionally the airplane maker shall be offering switch of know-how (ToT) for making air frames. Its suppliers like engine maker Safran and avionics supplier Thales shall be a part of the ToT. The indigenous content material is anticipated to be between 55 per cent and 60 per cent as soon as ToT for air frames, engines and avionics is completed.
Avionics, weapons and missiles on the Rafale have been upgraded since IAF ordered its fleet of 36 in 2015. The IAF flies what’s the ‘F3R’ model of the airplane, similar because the French air drive. Dassault Aviation has launched the ‘F-4’ model – an improve. India is searching for a mixture of the ‘F-4’ model and upcoming ‘F-5’ model.
The improve contains subsequent technology of lively electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for longer detection vary and improved resilience to digital warfare. It’s to have a greater self-protection system to detect and counter new and rising threats. Capabilities would come with higher long-range detection and identification of enemy threats backed by missiles with longer ranges. It’s to be mated with higher satellite tv for pc hyperlinks and even have synthetic intelligence algorithms to help the pilot with improved situational consciousness and decision-making.
The Ministry of Defence is about to finalise the $8 billion deal for submitting gaps in air energy. The Tribune was the primary to report in its version dated September 12, 2025, that the Indian Air Power had moved a proper proposal searching for 114 of those jets.
The jets shall be out there beneath the ‘Make in India’ scheme with Dassault aviation partnering an Indian agency. In September final yr, Dassault elevated its shareholding in Dassault Reliance Aerospace Restricted (DRAL) from 49 per cent to 51 per cent, making the three way partnership a majority-owned subsidiary of the French firm. Anil Ambani led Reliance Infrastructure is the companion in DRAL.
The IAF already flies 36 Rafale jets whereas the Navy ordered 26 of the marine variant of similar jet. Including extra numbers is anticipated to scale back upkeep prices. A Rafale flight coaching and upkeep, restore and overhaul (MRO) facility is functioning on the IAF base at Ambala. French engine maker Safran, in June final yr, introduced an MRO hub for its engines in Hyderabad.
The IAF must shortly induct extra jets. The variety of squadrons are right down to 29, the bottom fight energy previously six a long time.
