Dassault Aviation is considering setting up an assembly line in India for the Rafale F5 fighter jet as part of its strategy to expand production capacity. CEO Eric Trappier indicated that localization would be necessary to meet potential Indian orders, aligning with the Make in India initiative.
The Rafale F5, expected to be operational by 2030, will feature upgraded engines, improved survivability, advanced data links, and an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) with a payload capacity exceeding 10 tons. The aircraft will also be equipped with scramjet-operated hypersonic missiles and enhanced radar and countermeasure systems.
Dassault is awaiting a development contract from the French government, while its existing Rafale backlog includes 56 aircraft for the French Air Force and 164 for export customers, including Indonesia, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates.
India, which has already acquired 36 Rafale jets, is in discussions for additional procurements. The proposed assembly line would help Dassault meet growing demand while strengthening industrial cooperation with India.
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