Macron Signals Major Rafale Expansion, Submarine Talks as India-France Defence Ties Deepen
French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated a significant expansion of defence cooperation with India, highlighting progress on the Rafale fighter jet programme and potential submarine collaboration. Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Macron emphasised that the partnership will increasingly centre on the ‘Make in India’ framework, with a focus on co-production, maintenance capabilities, and technology sharing.
India and France have steadily strengthened their strategic partnership over the past decade, particularly in defence and aerospace manufacturing. The Rafale programme remains the centrepiece of this cooperation, alongside joint projects involving helicopters, engines, and advanced systems. Macron’s latest remarks come as India pushes to expand domestic manufacturing under its self-reliance strategy.
Macron said collaboration between the two countries is entering a new phase, with discussions focusing on diversifying cooperation and improving maintenance infrastructure. He noted that indigenous components are gradually increasing as part of ongoing dialogue between industry partners and the Indian government.
India recently approved the procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, with a significant portion expected to be manufactured locally. Macron welcomed the decision, describing Rafale as a key pillar of bilateral defence ties and confirming plans for co-production in India.
Beyond fighter aircraft, Macron suggested that submarine cooperation could be the next major step. France has proposed expanded capabilities across multiple sectors including helicopters and engines, reflecting a broader industrial partnership.
The French President also referenced the growing Tata-Airbus collaboration, pointing to the inauguration of India’s first private-sector helicopter final assembly line for the Airbus H125 in Karnataka. The facility, inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron, is seen as a milestone in domestic aerospace manufacturing.
Officials and industry observers view the developments as a sign of deeper technology transfer and long-term industrial integration. Analysts note that increased local production could create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and reduce reliance on imports.
Macron reiterated that expanding indigenous manufacturing benefits both nations by reinforcing strategic trust and economic growth. He described the India-France relationship as a unique global strategic partnership spanning defence, innovation, research, culture, and creative industries.
The push for co-produced Rafale jets reflects India’s broader defence procurement shift toward domestic capability building. If submarine cooperation progresses, it would mark another major step in maritime security collaboration between the two countries.
The Tata-Airbus helicopter assembly line highlights how defence partnerships are increasingly tied to private-sector participation and advanced manufacturing ecosystems. This integrated approach positions India not only as a buyer but also as a production hub within global defence supply chains.
Macron’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit France in June, where he is expected to attend the G7 as BRICS President, further signals diplomatic momentum alongside industrial cooperation.
Macron’s remarks underline a widening India-France defence partnership centred on co-production, technology transfer, and long-term strategic alignment. With Rafale expansion underway and submarine discussions emerging, the relationship is moving toward deeper industrial integration that could shape future aerospace and maritime capabilities.