Dassault Aviation has entered into a landmark partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to produce Rafale fighter jet fuselages in India. The signing of four major Transfer of Production Agreements is set to significantly strengthen India’s role in the global aerospace industry.
The new manufacturing facility will be established in Hyderabad (HYD), India, and is expected to begin deliveries in the 2028 fiscal year. The plant is projected to have the capacity to produce two complete fuselages per month.
First-Time Rafale Fuselage Production Outside France
This initiative marks a historic first for Dassault Aviation: Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside of France for the very first time. It represents a major shift in Dassault’s global supply chain strategy and underscores India’s commitment to the “Make in India” and AtmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) visions.
Hyderabad Facility: Strategic Investment in Technology and Skilled Employment
At the state-of-the-art Hyderabad plant, Tata Advanced Systems will manufacture the following key structural components of the Rafale aircraft with high precision and in accordance with Dassault’s standards:
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Rear fuselage side shells
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Full rear section
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Centre fuselage segment
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Front fuselage parts
All components will be delivered with high quality assurance for use in final assembly of the Rafale fighter jets.
Senior Statements from Dassault and Tata
Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier commented on the strategic alliance:
“This agreement is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. TASL is a trusted partner that contributes to the success of the Rafale in terms of quality and competitiveness.”
TASL CEO Sukaran Singh emphasised the global confidence in India’s aerospace capabilities:
“This is not just an assembly unit; it’s a strategic investment in India’s aerospace future.”
India’s Growing Role in Global Aerospace
The new facility is expected to make major contributions not only to India’s defence industry but to the broader aerospace ecosystem by:
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Creating high-skilled employment
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Facilitating advanced technology transfer
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Positioning India as a reliable hub in the global supply chain
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Enhancing India’s role in international co-production projects
This development signals that India is now capable of serving not only its domestic defence needs but also international platforms.
About Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems
Dassault Aviation is a France-based aerospace giant, known for its Rafale fighter jets and Falcon business jets, having delivered over 10,000 aircraft to more than 90 countries. For 2024, the company targets a turnover of €6.2 billion and employs around 14,600 people worldwide.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Sons, is one of India’s leading players in the defence and aerospace sectors. It engages in aerospace structures, aircraft systems, platform integration, and security solutions, and has numerous strategic partnerships with global OEMs.
