French aviation giant Dassault Aviation has signed a historic agreement with Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), a subsidiary of India-based Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, announcing that the production of Falcon 2000 LXS business jets will be moved to India. Under the agreement, the jets will be assembled at the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) facility in Nagpur.
With this move, Falcon business jets will be produced outside France for the first time in history. At the same time, DRAL will become the first Center of Excellence (CoE) for Falcon jets outside France and will also provide assembly support for the Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X models.
India Joins the League of Global Business Jet Manufacturers
With this strategic initiative, India will join the ranks of business jet manufacturing countries after the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil. The project not only includes production but also encompasses advanced technology transfer and the localisation of industrial capacity. The relocation of all fuselage and wing assembly processes of the Falcon 2000 to India marks a major leap in the country’s aerospace industry.
The first “Made in India” Falcon 2000 LXS business jet is planned to take to the skies by 2028.
Strong Statements from Dassault and Reliance
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated that the agreement demonstrates Dassault’s strong commitment to India’s “Make in India” vision. Trappier said, “This partnership further strengthens India’s strategic position in the global aerospace supply chain.”
Anil D. Ambani, Founder of Reliance Group, emphasised that the collaboration is an important step towards India’s goal of self-reliance. Ambani said, “This project will elevate India to the top ranks on the international aerospace manufacturing map.”
India’s Aviation Industry Enters a New Era
This strategic partnership will accelerate India’s growth targets in aerospace and space manufacturing while elevating DRAL to a more critical position within Dassault Aviation’s global production network. At the same time, this cooperation will also increase employment and high-tech expertise in India.
