India is pushing for a high level of indigenous manufacturing in its proposed Rafale fighter acquisition, targeting 40 percent local content initially and increasing to 60 percent as domestic production expands. The approach is designed to strengthen India’s aerospace industry while reducing long-term dependence on imported defense equipment. In addition to local production, the Indian Air Force plans to upgrade its existing Rafale fleet with advanced network-centric capabilities, ensuring improved combat effectiveness, simplified logistics, and closer alignment with future air combat technologies.
