The stock market today saw strong action in defence counters. Investors rushed to accumulate shares of Data Patterns and BDL share price reacted sharply.
The trigger? A major statement from French President Emmanuel Macron about joint production of Rafale jets in India.
This single development changed the mood across the defence sector.
Market Performance: Defence Stocks Lead the Charge
On February 20, defence stocks traded in the green across the board.
The Nifty India Defence index rose over 1.3%. Almost every stock in the index participated in the move.
Here’s how key stocks performed in the stock market today:
- Data Patterns (India) Ltd: Rose over 6%
- Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL share price): Gained nearly 3%
- Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd: Up 2.5%
- Bharat Electronics Ltd: Climbed 2%
- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd: Added 1.5%
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE): Rose 1.5%
Data Patterns stood out. It was among the top gainers in the Nifty 500 index.
Meanwhile, BDL share price featured among top gainers in the Nifty 200 index.
The momentum was clear. Defence stocks were back in focus in the stock market today.
What Sparked the Rally?
The rally started after French President Emmanuel Macron made an important announcement.
France and India are planning to:
- Jointly produce Rafale fighter jets
- Co-produce helicopters
- Expand submarine cooperation
This is not just a headline. It signals a deeper defence partnership between India and France.
Macron stated that India has confirmed its willingness to order 114 new Rafale jets and that these aircraft will be co-produced in India.
That one line changed sentiment in the stock market today.
India’s Rafale Plans: Key Numbers That Matter
Here’s what we know so far:
- India has already purchased 36 Rafale jets for the Air Force.
- Another 26 marine versions have been ordered for the Navy.
- Now, there is an expected order of 114 additional Rafales.
- Indian media reports suggest the 114 jets could cost around Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
The Defence Acquisition Council has given initial clearance to acquire these 114 jets, along with other planes and missiles.
This development comes months after heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Investors connected the dots quickly.
Why Data Patterns and BDL Share Price Reacted?
When large defence manufacturing programs move forward, companies across the defence value chain attract attention.
Data Patterns
Data Patterns is involved in defence electronics and systems. When India signals large military purchases, companies linked to electronic systems benefit from stronger visibility.
That explains why Data Patterns jumped over 6% in the stock market today.
It was one of the largest contributors to gains in the Nifty India Defence index.
BDL Share Price
Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) manufactures missile systems.
Missiles, aircraft systems, and defence integration often move together in terms of sentiment.
That is why BDL share price gained nearly 3% and emerged among top Nifty 200 performers.
The move was sentiment-driven. Markets tend to price in large defence developments quickly.
The Larger Defence Push: Beyond Rafale Jets
The cooperation goes beyond fighter jets.
President Macron also said France hopes to:
- Expand submarine deals
- Offer additional capacities in naval defence
Currently:
- The Indian Navy operates 6 French Scorpene submarines
- There are reports of plans to order more
Further, earlier this week:
- The first H125 helicopter assembly line was announced in India
- This will be made by a joint venture between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd
- Plans were also announced to jointly produce HAMMER missiles in India
- By Safran
- Along with Bharat Electronics
This shows a clear pattern: manufacturing shift towards India.
Investors in the stock market today reacted to this structural shift.
Stock Market Today: Defence in Focus
Defence stocks often move sharply when:
- Government approvals are announced
- Large procurement numbers are revealed
- International partnerships deepen
This was one such day.
The Nifty India Defence index rose over 1.3%, supported by broad-based buying.
Data Patterns, BDL share price, and other defence names captured attention across trading terminals.
Company Snapshot
Data Patterns (India) Ltd
- Sector: Defence electronics
- Price move: Up over 6%
- Index impact: Among top Nifty 500 gainers
Bharat Dynamics Ltd
- Sector: Missile manufacturing
- Price move: Nearly 3% gain
- Index presence: Among top Nifty 200 gainers
Both stocks reflected strong sentiment in the stock market today.
What This Means for the Defence Sector?
The statement from Emmanuel Macron marked what he called a “new step forward” in defence ties.
The expected order of 114 Rafales, combined with local manufacturing, suggests:
- Higher defence activity
- Long-term production visibility
- Strengthening India-France defence relations
Details of the deal, including co-production specifics and final negotiations, are yet to be disclosed.
But markets don’t always wait for final paperwork.
They respond to signals.
And this was a clear one.
Summary: Data Patterns and BDL Share Price Outperform in Stock Market Today
To sum up:
- Data Patterns surged over 6%
- BDL share price gained nearly 3%
- Nifty India Defence index rose over 1.3%
- India is moving ahead with 114 new Rafale jets
- Estimated cost reported at Rs 3.25 lakh crore
- Joint production planned in India
The stock market today rewarded defence stocks on optimism around India’s expanding defence manufacturing story.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Data Patterns, BDL share price, and the broader defence space.
The numbers spoke.
The market reacted.
And defence stocks carried the momentum.
Source: Moneycontrol

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