Saint-Cloud, France / Mumbai, India: In a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace giant, has signed four Production Transfer Agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to produce Rafale aircraft fuselages in India.
This marks the first-ever Rafale aircraft fuselages production outside of France, reinforcing India’s strategic role in the global aerospace supply chain.
Rafale aircraft fuselages
A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be established in Hyderabad under the partnership, where TASL will manufacture critical structural assemblies for the Rafale, including:
- Lateral shells of the rear fuselage
- Complete rear fuselage section
- Central fuselage
- Front fuselage section
The facility is expected to commence production by FY2028, with a capacity to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.
Dassault Aviation: Strengthening Indo-French Aerospace Collaboration
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation, stated: “For the first time, Rafale aircraft fuselages will be manufactured outside France. This is a decisive step in fortifying our supply chain in India. Our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems will enable the successful ramp-up of Rafale production while meeting our high standards of quality and competitiveness.”
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, added: “This agreement marks a milestone in India’s aerospace journey. The production of the complete Rafale aircraft fuselages in India reflects the deep trust Dassault Aviation places in TASL and highlights the strength of India’s emerging aerospace ecosystem.”
Aligned with ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat
The collaboration underscores Dassault Aviation’s commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives. It not only reinforces India’s growing influence in the global aerospace manufacturing landscape but also enhances defense self-reliance by localizing high-end production capabilities.
This strategic agreement further positions India as a reliable partner for global defense production and supports the country’s ambition to become a hub for aerospace innovation and exports.
