India Plans Second Fighter Jet Production Line With Rafale Deal

India’s planned procurement of additional Rafale fighter jets from France could help create a second fighter aircraft production line in the country, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said.

Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026, Singh said the proposed arrangement would include significant indigenisation and support India’s domestic defence manufacturing.

Rafale Deal and Production in India

Key Area	Details
Aircraft	Rafale fighter jet
Partner	France
Production	Second fighter aircraft line
Focus	Indigenisation
Indigenous programme	LCA Tejas Mk1A

The proposed Rafale arrangement would allow aircraft production in India while increasing domestic participation.

Singh described Rafale as a proven aircraft and said the new production capability would complement India’s existing fighter manufacturing.

Tejas Programme to Continue

The Rafale programme will not replace India’s LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter programme.

Singh said Tejas development will continue through a spiral development approach. Future improvements are expected to include indigenous radars and weapons.

This means India would continue developing its own fighter aircraft while also expanding Rafale production in the country.

Indian Air Force Capability Gaps

The Defence Secretary also highlighted efforts to address key gaps in the Indian Air Force fighter fleet.

Capability	Current Focus
Fighter fleet	Expansion
AEW&C aircraft	Capability improvement
Aerial refuellers	Capability improvement
Fighter production	Second production line

Singh said contracts and delivery schedules will be important for closing these gaps. He also noted that the improvements will take time.

Focus on Defence Manufacturing

The proposed Rafale production plan comes as India continues to increase domestic defence manufacturing and indigenisation.

The strategy combines additional Rafale capability with local production while keeping the Tejas Mk1A programme on track.

For India, the approach could expand fighter manufacturing capacity and strengthen the domestic defence production ecosystem.

What is the latest Rafale deal for India?

India is planning to procure additional Rafale fighter jets from France, with production in India expected to support greater domestic manufacturing.

Will India manufacture Rafale jets?

The proposed arrangement is expected to create a second fighter aircraft production line in India with significant levels of indigenisation.

How many Rafale jets is India buying?

The government is considering additional Rafale aircraft, with the exact final quantity and contract details yet to be confirmed in the provided announcement.

Will Rafale production affect the Tejas programme?

No. The LCA Tejas Mk1A programme is expected to continue alongside the Rafale programme.

What did the Defence Secretary say about the Rafale deal?

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said the Rafale arrangement could help establish a second fighter production line and increase defence manufacturing in India.

Why is India buying more Rafale jets?

The additional Rafale procurement is aimed at strengthening India's fighter fleet while supporting domestic production and indigenisation.

What is the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet?

The Tejas Mk1A is India's indigenous light combat aircraft programme developed for the Indian Air Force.

Will Tejas Mk1A production continue?

Yes. The Defence Secretary said the indigenous Tejas Mk1A programme will continue despite the additional Rafale procurement.

What is India's second fighter production line?

It refers to an additional domestic manufacturing capability for fighter aircraft that could be established through the Rafale programme.

Will Rafale jets be made in India?

The proposed arrangement includes making Rafale aircraft in India with significant levels of local production and indigenisation.

What is indigenisation in defence manufacturing?

Indigenisation means increasing the use of Indian technology, components, manufacturing capabilities and expertise in defence production.

Who makes Rafale fighter jets?

Rafale is a French multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation.

Who manufactures Tejas fighter jets in India?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, or HAL, is responsible for manufacturing the Tejas fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

What are India's fighter aircraft requirements?

India is working to address gaps in its fighter fleet while also expanding supporting capabilities such as AEW&C aircraft and aerial refuellers.

What are AEW&C aircraft?

AEW&C aircraft are airborne early warning and control platforms that provide surveillance, detection and command support to military forces.

Why does India need more fighter aircraft?

The Indian Air Force has been working to strengthen its fighter fleet and address capability gaps through new aircraft, upgrades and indigenous development.

Will Rafale and Tejas operate together?

Yes. The Rafale and Tejas programmes are being pursued as separate fighter capabilities, with Tejas development continuing alongside additional Rafale procurement.

What is the future of the Tejas fighter jet?

The Tejas programme is expected to continue evolving through upgrades, including the integration of indigenous radars and weapons.

What does the Rafale production plan mean for Indian defence manufacturing?

It could expand India's domestic fighter manufacturing capacity and increase opportunities for local production and technology development.

When will India get the additional Rafale jets?

A specific delivery timeline depends on the final contract and production arrangements. The provided announcement does not confirm a delivery date.