In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing and aerospace capabilities, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four significant agreements to manufacture complete Rafale fighter jet fuselages in India for the first time.
The strategic partnership will see the establishment of a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad, which will manufacture key fuselage sections including the lateral rear shells, central, rear, and front fuselage components.
According to the companies’ joint statement, the first fuselage units are expected to roll off the Indian assembly line by 2028, with the capability to deliver up to two fully built fuselages per month.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said:
“This is the first time Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. It’s a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India and enhancing our global competitiveness.”
The deal not only cements India’s role in global defence supply chains but also reflects France’s trust in Indian manufacturing capabilities.
TASL CEO Sukaran Singh hailed the agreement as a turning point:
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s aerospace journey and showcases the maturity of our indigenous manufacturing ecosystem to support world-class platforms like Rafale.”
The partnership is expected to significantly bolster India’s self-reliance in aerospace, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The development follows India’s ₹63,000 crore deal last month to acquire 26 Rafale Marine (M) jets for the Indian Navy, including 22 single-seat fighters and 4 twin-seat trainers. The deal was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With Hyderabad set to become a key manufacturing hub for Rafale fuselages, India’s footprint in global defence production continues to expand.
