I’m surprised that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) didn’t sign a license to build a very large number of Dassault Rafales for the Indian AF and Navy. The Rafale is actually a very competent fighter, especially since its aerodynamic technology is newer than the F-18, which is based on an early 1970’s design.
Things seem to be in a big flux now as the Modi government is seemingly trying to get advanced technology and also boost industrial development by allowing new weapons manufacturing mechanisms (either new or in partnership with foreign vendors).
HAL has for to long been the only name in the game. Dassault has a partnership with the Anil Ambani-led Reliance group to supposedly execute offsets for the Rafale, while Boeing has already established a facility with the Tata group in Hyderabad.