New Delhi: Made-in-India Rafale jets are expected to become one of the most well-supported fighter aircraft fleets in the Indian Air Force (IAF). French aerospace company Dassault Aviation has proposed an industry-leading 40-year Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) support package for every Rafale fighter built in India under the proposed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.
The long-term commitment includes maintenance, spare parts, repairs, upgrades and technical support. It also focuses on manufacturing more aircraft parts inside India, helping the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Key Highlights of the Made-in-India Rafale Jets
- Dassault promises 40 years of OEM support for each Made-in-India Rafale.
- Support includes maintenance, spare parts, repairs and future upgrades.
- Aircraft manufacturing will have significant Indian industrial participation.
- Local production will strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- The deal supports the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Indian companies are expected to manufacture several major aircraft components.
- Local MRO facilities will reduce maintenance costs and improve aircraft availability.
- Rafale F4 and future F5 standards are expected to receive long-term support.
Read also: Indian Air Force Modernization: India Seeks Entry into GCAP and FCAS 6th Gen Fighter Projects
What Has Dassault Aviation Announced
Dassault Aviation has proposed a comprehensive long-term support package for Rafale fighter jets that may be manufactured in India under the Indian Air Force’s MRFA programme. Unlike many military aircraft programmes where support becomes uncertain after production ends, Dassault has assured that every aircraft will continue receiving official manufacturer support for 40 years from its delivery date.
This means maintenance, repairs, spare parts and future upgrades will remain available for decades.
For the Indian Air Force, this significantly reduces the risk of aircraft becoming difficult or expensive to maintain later in their service life.
Deep Indigenisation Will Strengthen India’s Defence Industry
One of the biggest features of the proposal is deep indigenisation. Instead of depending heavily on imported components, Dassault plans to manufacture many important systems, spare parts and aircraft structures in India. This supports the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of building a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem. Local production is also expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs while improving India’s aerospace capabilities.
Indian Companies Expected to Benefit from Made-in-India Rafale Jets Programme
Several Indian defence companies are expected to become part of the Rafale supply chain. These companies may manufacture:
- Aircraft structures
- Mechanical components
- Electrical systems
- Spare parts
- Ground support equipment
- Maintenance tools
This will help Indian companies gain advanced aerospace manufacturing experience.
Tata Advanced Systems Will Play a Major Role
Dassault Aviation has already partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The company will manufacture Rafale fuselage sections in Hyderabad. This marks the first time Rafale fuselage structures will be produced outside France. The partnership represents an important milestone in India’s growing aerospace manufacturing sector.
Local Maintenance Facilities Will Reduce Costs
A major part of the proposal includes establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities inside India. Instead of sending aircraft or components overseas for repairs, much of the work can be completed domestically. Benefits include:
- Faster repairs
- Reduced downtime
- Lower logistics costs
- Better availability of aircraft
- More employment for skilled Indian engineers
Rafale F4 and Future F5 Variants
The support package is expected to include both current Rafale F4 aircraft and future F5 upgrades. Reports indicate the F5 version may include:
- Next-generation AESA radar using Gallium Nitride technology
- Improved electronic warfare systems
- Artificial intelligence-assisted mission systems
- Better networking capability
- Loyal Wingman drone integration
- Advanced long-range strike capability
These improvements will significantly enhance the aircraft’s combat effectiveness.
Better Integration of Indian Weapons
The Made-in-India Rafale is expected to integrate more indigenous Indian weapons. These may include:
- Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile
- Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile
- Future indigenous precision-guided weapons
This reduces dependence on imported weapons while supporting India’s domestic missile industry.
Why Is 40-Year OEM Support So Important for Made-in-India Rafale Jets
Modern fighter aircraft remain in service for 35 to 45 years. Without guaranteed support from the original manufacturer, air forces often struggle to obtain spare parts, repair components and upgrade aircraft. A long-term OEM commitment ensures:
- Better aircraft availability
- Faster repairs
- Reliable spare parts supply
- Lower maintenance costs
- Longer aircraft service life
- Improved mission readiness
This helps the Indian Air Force maintain a high operational readiness throughout the aircraft’s lifetime.
Lessons Learned from the Mirage 2000 Fleet
The Indian Air Force has operated Mirage 2000 fighters successfully for decades. However, after production stopped globally, obtaining original spare parts became increasingly difficult.
The IAF had to search worldwide for retired aircraft and expensive replacement components. This increased maintenance costs and delayed repairs.
The proposed Rafale support package aims to prevent such problems by guaranteeing support from the beginning of the programme.
How Will the Indian Air Force Benefit from Made-in-India Rafale Jets
The proposed support package offers several long-term advantages.
Higher Mission Availability
Aircraft will spend less time waiting for spare parts.
Lower Operating Costs
Local manufacturing and maintenance reduce overall lifecycle expenses.
Faster Upgrades
Official OEM support makes future technology upgrades easier.
Stronger Combat Readiness
Aircraft remain fully operational for decades.
Better Self-Reliance
India gains more control over manufacturing and maintenance.
What Is the MRFA Programme
The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme is one of the Indian Air Force’s largest planned fighter aircraft acquisition projects. The programme aims to procure 114 new multi-role fighter aircraft to replace ageing fleets and maintain adequate squadron strength.
Several global manufacturers have shown interest in the competition, including Dassault Aviation with the Rafale. The procurement process is still under evaluation by the Government of India.
Official Background
Dassault Aviation is one of the world’s leading military aircraft manufacturers.
The company designs and builds the Rafale fighter aircraft currently operated by France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, Indonesia, the UAE and several other countries.
India already operates 36 Rafale fighters purchased under the government-to-government agreement signed in 2016.
The proposed MRFA programme would significantly expand India’s Rafale fleet through local manufacturing.
Read also: Rafale Jets Made in India? Inside Dassault’s Plan to Produce Fighters in Nagpur
