India approves Rafale jet deal
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Feb 10, 2026 · Last updated Feb 12, 2026
The approval of this massive defense deal is expected to significantly boost the aerospace and defense sectors in both India and France. For Dassault Aviation, it secures a substantial order and strengthens its strategic partnership with India, while for India, it enhances national security and promotes domestic defense manufacturing through the 'Make in India' initiative, positively impacting companies like Sigma Advanced Systems.
India's Defence Ministry has approved a Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation for the India — Indian Air Force. This clearance precedes French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Delhi and will eventually require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The deal involves purchasing 18 jets off-the-shelf and manufacturing the remaining 96 in India, including a significant transfer of state-of-the-art fighter jet technology. Sigma Advanced Systems is slated to establish a production facility in Hyderabad for key structural components of the Rafale. This initiative is a major boost for India's 'Make in India' program in the defense sector. The India — Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafales, and the India — Indian Navy has also ordered 26 Rafale 'M' variants for its aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Rafale jets have previously been used by India in Operation Sindoor against targets in Pakistan.
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