- Dassault-Tata Pact Marks First Rafale Fuselage Production Outside France
- France-India Aerospace Alliance Deepens with Rafale Fuselage Facility
- Telangana gets the cherry on the cake
- Manufacturing facility to be set up in Hyderabad
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. . 05 June 2025. In a historic first for the global aerospace industry, Rafale fighter jet fuselages will now be manufactured outside France — and in India. Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have entered into four Production Transfer Agreements that pave the way for the establishment of a dedicated manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. This milestone marks a transformative leap in India’s aerospace capabilities, positioning the nation not just as a buyer but as a key contributor to the Rafale’s global production line. The move comes as part of a broader commitment by Dassault to support India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives, solidifying India’s role in the international defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four landmark Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter jet fuselage in India—a move that significantly boosts the country’s aerospace manufacturing strength and global supply chain integration. The initiative marks a major investment in India’s aerospace ecosystem and is poised to become a centre of excellence for precision-engineered aircraft components. The facility is expected to begin production in FY2028, with a projected capacity of delivering up to two fully assembled fuselage units per month, underlining the scale and ambition of this strategic Indo-French industrial partnership.
“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.
As part of this collaboration, TASL will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad dedicated to producing critical structural assemblies of the Rafale. These will include the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the entire rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section—key components in the airframe’s construction.
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.”
The signing of these contracts reflects Dassault Aviation’s strong commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar initiatives. This partnership aims to strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance.
The agreement between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited to manufacture Rafale fighter jet fuselages in India marks a defining leap in Indo-French defence manufacturing cooperation. For the first time, production of a critical fighter aircraft component—previously exclusive to France—will shift to Indian soil, reflecting the deepening trust and technological collaboration between the two nations. This development not only strengthens the long-standing strategic partnership but also elevates India’s position in the global defence aerospace ecosystem. By enabling localised manufacturing of sophisticated combat aircraft parts, the move aligns seamlessly with India’s indigenisation drive while reinforcing France’s role as a key defence ally.
This is more than a business collaboration — it is a defining moment for India’s aerospace sector. With fuselage production expected to begin by FY2028, the partnership underscores the growing global confidence in India’s precision engineering and manufacturing prowess. It also signals a long-term commitment to deepening industrial cooperation, enhancing local capabilities, and creating a self-reliant and export-ready aerospace base in India. As Hyderabad prepares to become a new hub of Rafale production, the project stands as a landmark achievement in India’s defence manufacturing journey and a model for future international collaborations.
