New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move, Dassault Aviation has joined forces with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to manufacture the fuselage of Rafale fighter jets in India, marking the first time these components will be produced outside of France. The strategic collaboration represents a major boost for India’s aerospace manufacturing sector and a significant milestone under the country’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiatives.
The agreement involves four Production Transfer Agreements signed between the two aerospace giants. As part of the plan, the first set of fuselage components is expected to roll out by the fiscal year 2028. Once operational, the facility will be capable of producing up to two complete Rafale fuselages each month.
A state-of-the-art facility is being established in Hyderabad, dedicated to manufacturing critical sections of the Rafale aircraft, including the front section, central fuselage, rear section, and lateral rear shells. These parts will cater to both Indian and international markets, integrating India more deeply into the global defense supply chain.
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Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it is a “decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India,” and underscores the company’s long-term strategy of building partnerships with capable Indian aerospace firms like TASL.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL, called the partnership a landmark moment for India’s aerospace industry. “The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms,” he said.
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The development signals a leap forward in India’s ambition to become a hub for high-end aerospace manufacturing, while also reinforcing global confidence in Indian engineering and industrial capacity.
