What is the Rafale MRFA deal and how many jets are planned?

It is India’s plan to procure and co‑produce 114 Rafale multi‑role fighter aircraft with higher local content. The proposal aims to add squadrons, expand maintenance and training capacity, and build a domestic industrial base around assembly, testing, and life‑cycle support in India.

How does this support Make in India and jobs?

Higher localisation shifts assembly, avionics integration, and MRO to Indian sites. That supports MSMEs and skilled roles in machining, wiring, testing, and quality. Longer life‑cycle work in spares and upgrades creates recurring orders, improving supplier visibility and encouraging capacity expansion in Indian industry.

What did Macron say about indigenous content and submarines?

Macron said France is willing to raise India content in Rafale production and signalled readiness to sell more submarines. His remarks on February 20, including during a public conversation featured on the Raj Shamani podcast, highlighted deeper cooperation and job creation built on co‑production in India.

What should investors track next on this program?

Watch the RFP trail, intergovernmental terms, localisation roadmap, engine and avionics work share, MRO hub details, and clarity on export production from India. Also monitor currency moves, vendor capacity additions, and official procurement updates that convert intent into signed orders and revenue timing.

Law and Government

Rafale MRFA Deal: Macron Backs Deeper Make-in-India on February 20

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

On February 20, President Emmanuel Macron backed the Rafale MRFA deal, supporting India’s plan to procure and co‑produce 114 Rafale jets with higher local content. He framed it as a Make in India push that creates skilled jobs and deepens France India defence ties. Macron also flagged potential submarine follow‑ons, pointing to broader maritime opportunities. For investors, the Rafale MRFA deal signals larger offsets, clearer demand for domestic suppliers, and a long runway of spares, MRO, and training orders through the 2030s.