Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the fuselage for Rafale fighter jets in India. This marks a major step forward in defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and represents the first time Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. The collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art production line capable of supporting India’s defence self-reliance goals.
As part of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce critical structural components of the Rafale fighter jet. These will include the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the full rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.
The facility is expected to begin rolling out its first fuselage sections by FY2028 and aims to scale up production to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.
Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, “This partnership marks a significant step in India’s aerospace journey. 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 also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.”
In a release, Dassault Avaiation said the signing of these agreements underscores Dassault Aviation’s firm support for India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives.
“For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. 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,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
The collaboration is designed to enhance India’s role in the global aerospace supply chain while advancing the country’s ambition for greater economic and manufacturing self-reliance.
