Video: Can India Convince France to Share Rafale’s Source Code?

India is advancing towards a historic defense acquisition to procure 114 Rafale jets from France, a deal estimated at ₹3.25 lakh crore. With the Indian Air Force (IAF) facing a critical shortage of combat squadrons, the Defence Ministry is poised to discuss finalizing this requirement through a Government-to-Government route, potentially bypassing the lengthy MRFA tender process to ensure rapid induction. Dassault Aviation remains the primary contender, favored for the aircraft's proven logistics and operational performance.

A key component of the agreement is the "Make in India" initiative. Reports indicate that while 12–18 jets may be delivered in fly-away condition, the majority will be manufactured domestically. This facilitates significant technology transfer, allowing for the integration of indigenous weapon systems and the establishment of local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. This strategic move aims to bolster India's air power and maintain superiority against regional adversaries.