Indian Tech Shines: 5 Powerful Reasons Why Greek Rafales Signal a Game-Changer for Make in India
India may have quietly taken a big step forward in global defence manufacturing, as reports suggest that Indian-made technology could be part of the Rafale fighter jets recently delivered to Greece. While there is no official confirmation from Dassault Aviation or the Indian Defence Ministry, this move would reflect the growing India-France defence partnership and strengthen India’s ‘Make in India’ push. Dassault’s Indian joint venture, DRAL in Nagpur, already manufactures parts for Falcon jets and is looking to expand into Rafale components.
Additionally, a new MRO facility in Noida supports India’s Rafale and Mirage fleets. Experts believe Indian inputs in the Greek jets could include avionics, structural parts, or tech derived from indigenous systems like Astra missiles and SAAW. France is also looking to diversify its supply chains, and Indian collaboration fits that strategy well. The delivery of all 24 Rafales to Greece, amid rising European orders, showcases India’s growing role in the international defence market. This development not only boosts India’s export potential but also underlines its emergence as a trusted technology partner.
Indian Tech Shines: 5 Powerful Reasons Why Greek Rafales Signal a Game-Changer for Make in India
In a quiet yet groundbreaking development, components made in India may now be part of the advanced Rafale fighter jets recently acquired by Greece from France. Although neither Dassault Aviation (the jet’s manufacturer) nor India’s Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed this, the possibility highlights India’s growing influence in the global defence sector and its ambition to emerge as a key arms exporter under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
This progress comes amid deepening defence collaboration between India and France, a partnership that has steadily grown since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014. Greece, which finalized its purchase of 24 Rafales—18 delivered between 2021 and 2023, and six more by December 2024—now operates a complete fleet at Tanagra Air Base. While official confirmation is pending, reports suggest these jets could feature Indian-made components, marking a significant moment for India’s defence export ambitions.
India-France Defence Ties: A Growing Alliance
India and France have been expanding their defence partnership through both purchases and joint manufacturing. In 2016, India signed a major deal for 36 Rafale jets, all delivered by 2022. A follow-up deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy is expected to be finalized by mid-2025. Meanwhile, Dassault’s Indian subsidiary—Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), based in Nagpur—already produces components like cockpit canopies and doors for Dassault’s Falcon business jets. The company has also indicated plans to begin manufacturing Rafale parts in India.
Strengthening this collaboration further, an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility established in Noida in 2023 now supports the Indian Air Force’s Rafale and Mirage fleets, showcasing India’s expanding technical capabilities.
What Indian Tech Could Be in the Greek Rafales?
Although specifics have not been disclosed, defence analysts believe Indian contributions could include avionics systems, structural parts, or even adaptations of homegrown weapons such as the Astra air-to-air missile or the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), both of which are already integrated into India’s Rafales. Such integration would support France’s strategy of diversifying its supply chains while advancing India’s goal of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.
Why This Matters for India and France
For India, having its technology integrated into globally operated fighter jets like the Rafale would be a major validation of its defence manufacturing quality. It could also open up opportunities for future exports. For France, partnering with India brings cost benefits and access to a skilled workforce—helping to meet the increasing global demand for Rafale jets. According to Dassault’s 2024 reports, the company exceeded its delivery targets with 21 jets delivered (14 to France and 7 exported) and received new orders from Indonesia and Serbia, bringing the total backlog to 220 jets, including 164 for export. To meet this demand, Dassault plans to boost production through its Indian facility, DRAL, beginning in 2025.
Greece’s Strategic Upgrade Amid Regional Tensions
Greece’s Rafale fleet—18 single-seat and six twin-seat jets—enhances its air capabilities amid persistent tensions with neighbouring Turkey. These jets are equipped with state-of-the-art systems, including Thales’ AESA radar, the Spectra electronic warfare suite, and Meteor missiles. If Indian-made upgrades are indeed part of the package, they could further elevate the performance of Greece’s fleet, especially as Dassault increasingly relies on its Indian facilities for global supply.
Looking Ahead: A Roadmap to 2047
During PM Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, India and France laid out a strategic roadmap through 2047. Key goals include co-developing jet engines with French aerospace giant Safran and collaborating on advanced submarine construction. This long-term vision signals a shift in India’s role—from a major defence importer to a co-developer and exporter of advanced military technology.
The Bigger Picture
While the inclusion of Indian components in Greek Rafales remains unofficial, the very discussion around it marks a shift in how India’s defence industry is perceived globally. Tapping into France’s aerospace leadership allows India to showcase its growing capabilities while building its reputation as a reliable partner. If confirmed, this development could set a precedent, encouraging other countries to explore Indian collaborations and further energizing the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
With Dassault expanding its Indian manufacturing base, this partnership could serve as a model for how global defence firms and emerging economies can work together—strengthening supply chains, fostering innovation, and reshaping the future of arms manufacturing. For now, India and France seem poised to quietly redefine the global defence narrative.