In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing sector, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation has signed four key production transfer agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The partnership will see India manufacturing complete Rafale fighter jet fuselages for the first time, reinforcing the country’s position in the global aerospace supply chain.
Under the agreement, TASL will establish a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad, which will be responsible for building various key structural parts of the aircraft — including the front, central, and rear sections of the fuselage, as well as lateral shells.
The facility is expected to be operational by FY2028, with production geared to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.
First Rafale Fuselage Line Outside France
“This marks the first time that Rafale fuselage production is taking place outside France,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “It is a major step forward in reinforcing our supply chain in India. With partners like TASL, we are confident this facility will meet our quality standards and help scale up Rafale production globally.”
Trappier emphasized the collaboration as a testament to Dassault’s long-term commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiatives.
Tata’s Growing Role in Aerospace
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, described the agreement as a landmark in India’s aerospace journey. “Producing the entire Rafale fuselage domestically is not only a reflection of the deep trust Dassault has in Tata’s capabilities, but also a signal of India’s rising manufacturing prowess in high-tech sectors.”
He highlighted that the project showcases India’s emergence as a credible player in the global aerospace ecosystem.
Strategic Defence Ties Between India and France
This manufacturing agreement comes just months after India finalized a ₹63,000 crore deal with France in April 2025 to acquire 26 Rafale-M (Marine variant) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The deal includes 22 single-seat combat jets and 4 twin-seat trainer versions. Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2031 under an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), ensuring direct acquisition without middlemen.
The naval Rafales will significantly strengthen India’s maritime strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, amid growing concerns about China’s strategic movements in the area.
(With inputs from IANS)
