India is moving closer to a $35 billion deal for 114 French-made Rafale fighter jets, with most of the aircraft expected to be built locally, as North African countries also pursue advanced combat aircraft from competing global suppliers.
The latest developments come as Egypt, Morocco and Algeria pursue different paths to modernise their air forces, with the Rafale emerging as one of the advanced fighter options gaining ground in North Africa.
France has submitted a technical and commercial proposal for 114 Dassault Rafale fighters, with the first 20 expected from France and the remaining 94 potentially built in India with local partners.
The deal would establish the South Asian country as a major Rafale production base outside France while supporting New Delhi’s push to expand domestic defence manufacturing.
New Delhi already operates 36 Rafales with its air force and signed a $7.4 billion deal in April 2025 for 26 Rafale Marine fighters for its navy.
