Emmanuel Macron signals more 'Made-in-India' content in Rafale

France and India are entering what Macron described as a new phase of defence cooperation, with plans to jointly manufacture Rafale fighter jets and helicopters.

• Macron backs India's plan to order 114 more Rafale jets
• France, India to co-produce Rafale jets and helicopters
• France signals readiness for deeper submarine cooperation

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday backed the expansion of India's Rafale fleet, saying the fighter aircraft enhances India's military capability and strengthens strategic ties between the two countries.

The Times of India reported that speaking on the sidelines of the AI-India Summit at the end of his three-day visit, Macron said, "Rafale improves the strategic relations between us, and it creates more jobs here."

Addressing criticism in certain Western quarters about the 4.5-generation jet's performance during Operation Sindoor last year, he added, "I don't see how people can criticise the aircraft because it (Rafale) makes your country stronger."

France and India are entering what Macron described as a new phase of defence cooperation, with plans to jointly manufacture Rafale fighter jets and helicopters. Macron also confirmed that India has conveyed its intent to order 114 additional Rafales and co-produce them domestically. He termed the prospective order a "new step forward" in bilateral defence ties.

On New Delhi's push for greater indigenous content in the co-production of Rafales, Macron said France is committed to maximising Indian participation.

"Very clearly, we are extremely, I would say, committed to having a maximum number of Indian components and manufacturing a maximum number of critical devices in India... We will have increased cooperation in maintenance and diversification," he said, as quoted by The Times of India.

Macron also signalled France's readiness to deepen submarine cooperation. Citing the Rafale partnership as a template, he said he hoped similar collaboration would extend to submarines, noting that France has offered additional capabilities. The Indian Navy currently operates six French-origin Scorpene submarines, and plans are underway to procure at least three more.

Describing India's ambition to co-produce Rafales as "legitimate" and aligned with the "direction of history," Macron underscored the long-term strategic logic of the partnership. "Looking ahead to 2040 and 2050, I am telling you, India will need combat aviation," he said, according to The Times of India. He further described the bilateral relationship as a "global spatial strategic partnership" unique to both nations.

The remarks came shortly after the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted initial approval for the procurement of 114 additional Rafales. The proposed deal was also discussed between Singh and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin during the annual India-France defence dialogue earlier this week, The Times of India reported.