Macron Defends Rafale Deal, Backs India Partnership

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday rejected criticism surrounding the Rafale fighter jet deal with India, stating that the agreement makes the country stronger and deepens strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Macron said the partnership increases indigenous manufacturing and creates jobs in India.

“I don’t see how people can criticise because it makes your country stronger, it increases strategic coordination between us, and it creates more jobs here,” he said.

Focus on Indigenous Manufacturing

Macron stressed that France is committed to increasing the use of Indian components and boosting manufacturing within India.

He noted that India, as a customer, has shown interest in co-producing combat aircraft and expanding its role in maintenance operations. According to him, this approach is legitimate and reflects a growing industrial partnership between the two countries.

The Rafale fighter jets are manufactured by Dassault Aviation.

Defence Approval

Earlier this month, India’s Defence Acquisition Council cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a move described by officials as one of the largest defence deals in recent years.

The acquisition is aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force’s operational capacity at a time when squadron strength has been under pressure.

While the United States and Russia had offered their fifth-generation fighter jets — the F-35 and Su-57 — defence planners assessed the Rafale as a proven, combat-ready platform that could be inducted faster.

Bridging the Capability Gap

India has also placed orders for 180 Tejas Mark 1A jets under its indigenous programme. However, delivery timelines have been affected by engine supply delays.

The proposed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter project, is expected to become operational only in the mid-2030s.

In this context, the Rafale deal is seen as a key measure to maintain combat readiness during the transition phase.

Operational Use

The Rafale jets have already been used in operations by the Indian Air Force. During Operation Sindoor, they reportedly deployed long-range SCALP cruise missiles in precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

The missile system uses advanced navigation and guidance technology to ensure accuracy in deep-penetration missions.

Strategic Significance

Macron’s remarks come amid ongoing political debates in India over defence procurement policies. However, he emphasised that the agreement strengthens India’s defence capability while enhancing strategic coordination between Paris and New Delhi.

The Rafale deal remains a central pillar of the growing defence and technology partnership between India and France.