The Indian Air Force has requested Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, to integrate Indian weapon systems onto the aircraft, marking a significant achievement for the Make in India initiative in the defense sector. The move is expected to open up the global market for indigenous weapons.
Rafale fighter jets were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2020, and the Air Force has now requested the deployment of indigenously-made weapons such as the Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and Astra air-to-air missiles on the aircraft. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) developed missiles and warheads, as well as several weapons developed by private sector firms, including long-range glide bombs, are also planned to be deployed on the Rafale in the near future.
Industry sources suggest that the integration of Indian weapons onto the Rafale could open up a significant market for them globally, given their capacity and cost-effectiveness. This development is a major boost for the Make in India initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports in the defense sector.
The integration of Indian weapons onto the Rafale will not only enhance the capabilities of the aircraft but also provide a significant opportunity for Indian defense firms to showcase their products on a global platform. This move is expected to boost the growth of the Indian defense industry and strengthen India’s position as a major player in the global defense market.