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In a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have formalized their strategic partnership by signing four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture complete Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India.
The move marks the first time in history that Rafale fuselage production will take place outside France — a milestone that underscores deepening Franco-Indian defence cooperation and aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives.
As part of the agreement, TASL will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. This new unit will produce critical structural components of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.
Production is set to commence with the first fuselage sections rolling off the assembly line in the financial year 2028. The facility aims to achieve a production capacity of up to two complete fuselages per month, thereby significantly contributing to Dassault Aviation’s global supply chain.
“This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements.”
Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. “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 reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.”
The agreement further strengthens Dassault Aviation’s commitment to India’s growing role in the global defence manufacturing landscape. It follows the Inter-Governmental Agreement signed on April 28 between India and France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The Rafale Marine, selected in July 2023, will operate from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, becoming the first of its kind to serve a navy outside France.
This development adds to the existing fleet of 36 Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force, signifying a robust trajectory for future Indo-French defence collaboration.
Team BharatShakti
