Web Desk: Defence talks between India and France over the Rafale fighter jets have entered a critical phase as India’s demand for access to the Rafale source code has stalled in recent talks. The issue comes as preparations are underway for French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India, where Indian officials are likely to raise the issue of access to the source code of drones and other defence systems.
The two countries are also in talks over the possible purchase of more Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force, as India seeks to acquire additional Rafale jets to meet its multi-role fighter aircraft requirements. India and France have also expanded industrial cooperation in recent years, including plans to strengthen the Rafale component manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure in India.
Despite these strategic discussions, the Rafale source code issue has emerged as the biggest bone of contention between the two countries. Indian officials say the software is essential for the integration of the aircraft’s avionics, mission systems and weapons and that the lack of access to it is affecting India’s operational autonomy. France and Dassault Aviation, on the other hand, have rejected the demands, citing intellectual property and security concerns.
The dispute has intensified after the recent India-Pakistan clashes, during which multiple Indian Rafale jets were shot down. The damage was caused by Chinese-made Pakistani fighter jets and PL-15 surface-to-air missiles.
Indian defense planners argue that without access to the source code, the air force cannot independently maintain or quickly change the Rafale’s electronic systems, which limits its ability to respond in a severe combat situation. They say that relying on a foreign company for every upgrade and technical testing complicates war preparedness.
The Rafale controversy comes amid an already ongoing debate over the overall readiness of the Indian Air Force. Government audits and parliamentary reports have been pointing to structural weaknesses for years, including a shortage of trained pilots and an insufficient number of combat squadrons.
The source code to which India wants access controls the Rafale’s advanced radar, mission computer and electronic warfare system. Without this access, India cannot fully integrate indigenously developed weapons, such as the Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missile, or adapt the aircraft to specific combat environments.
Indian officials cite past difficulties in upgrading the French-made Mirage 2000 aircraft as examples that they say illustrate the dangers of relying on foreign suppliers in times of war or emergency.
Access to the source code is also in line with India’s broader plan for defense self-reliance, which aims to allow the air force to make changes to systems without waiting for external approvals or technical teams.
The issue has also become a topic of debate internationally, with Chinese state-run social media accounts highlighting India’s limited technological reach. A Chinese diplomat sarcastically questioned last year on social media platform X that how India can claim to have advanced military capabilities when it does not have full control over its most expensive fighter jet.
French officials have been cautious on the issue. The Rafale software is the result of decades of research and development, including sensitive algorithms for radar, flight control and electronic warfare.
France fears that full access could allow the technology to reach rivals, especially given India’s complex security environment and multiple defense partnerships. Dassault also fears that other Rafale buyers will make similar demands if India is given the full code.
That is why France has offered limited technical cooperation, including joint teams and limited software tools, rather than full code transfer. The arrangement has enabled the integration of some Indian weapons, but has not provided the underlying source code.
Rafale’s recent performance has also drawn international attention. Some countries have begun to review their Rafale contracts, raising questions about the aircraft’s effectiveness compared to modern Chinese-made systems.
French officials have dismissed these concerns, saying that the Indian losses were due to training and maintenance issues, not the aircraft’s underlying capabilities. The reports have also fuelled tensions that India has refused to allow French audit teams access to its Rafale fleet.
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