French aerospace company Dassault Aviation has enhanced its proposal to supply 114 Rafale fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, committing to 60% local assembly in Nagpur as part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The deal, valued at over $20 billion, aims to bolster India’s defense capabilities amid competition from other global manufacturers. Key features include rapid production timelines, advanced upgrades, and integration of next-gen technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft capabilities, although concerns remain over the indigenous sensor suite and reliance on Dassault for future integrations. This proposal not only addresses critical squadron shortages but also strengthens India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, reinforcing its strategic autonomy in defense.