France refuses to share Rafale fighter jets source codes with India

France has refused to provide India with critical source codes necessary for integrating indigenous weapons into the Rafale fighter jets, dealing a setback to India’s goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defence production.

The refusal came from Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of Rafale aircraft, which "flatly" declined India's request, citing national security and strategic concerns. Without access to the source codes, India cannot fully integrate its homegrown missiles, bombs, and electronic warfare systems into the jets, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

India has long aimed to reduce its reliance on foreign defence suppliers by boosting its domestic defence industry. The integration of indigenous technology into foreign platforms like the Rafale is a key part of that strategy.

This impasse casts a shadow over the landmark €7.8 billion deal signed in September 2016 for 36 Rafale fighter jets. India received the first aircraft on July 29, 2020, and the final unit was delivered on December 15, 2022. The jets are currently deployed at the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana and the Hasimara base in West Bengal.

Despite the ongoing dispute over source codes, India proceeded to sign a new deal with France in April 2025 for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M aircraft—the naval variant designed for aircraft carrier operations. Valued at €6.9 billion, deliveries for the Rafale-Ms are set to begin in 2028 and conclude by 2030.

By Sabina Mammadli