France Offers to Manufacture 94 Rafale Fighter Jets in India Under Mega Defence Deal

France has reportedly offered to manufacture 94 of the proposed 114 Rafale fighter aircraft in India as part of a defence agreement valued at nearly ₹3.25 lakh crore. The proposal is aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force while supporting the government's Make in India initiative. If the Ministry of Defence approves the proposal, it is expected to facilitate advanced technology transfer, enhance domestic defence production capabilities and strengthen India's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.

Industry estimates suggest the project could generate business opportunities worth nearly ₹1.6 lakh crore for Indian companies involved in defence manufacturing and supply chains. In a major boost for Telangana, a Rafale components manufacturing facility is also expected to be established in Hyderabad, further reinforcing the city's growing position as one of India's leading aerospace and defence manufacturing hubs.