A Strategic Leap for Indian Aerospace
In a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions, French aviation giant Dassault Aviation has signed a landmark agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to manufacture all fuselage sections of the Rafale fighter jet in India. The deal is not just a milestone in the Indo-French defence partnership but also a huge win for India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and self-reliance in defence production.
The fuselage manufacturing—crucial to the Rafale’s structure—will be carried out at a new state-of-the-art facility being set up in Hyderabad, expected to roll out its first components in 2028. This marks the first time Rafale fuselages will be built outside France, further cementing India’s place on the global aerospace map.
Dassault and Tata: Building Wings Together
Dassault Aviation, known for its cutting-edge military and civil aircraft, has a long-standing presence in global defence markets, with over 10,000 aircraft delivered to more than 90 countries, including 2,700 Falcon business jets. In 2024, the company posted revenues of €6.2 billion, signaling a robust and growing portfolio.
On the Indian side, TASL has emerged as a leading private sector aerospace and defence manufacturer, already engaged in complex assemblies for global OEMs. The new partnership between Dassault and TASL involves four production transfer agreements that will see Tata manufacture key components like:
· Lateral shells of the rear fuselage
· Complete rear section
· Central fuselage
· Front section of the aircraft
With a target capacity of two complete fuselages per month, the Hyderabad facility is expected to become a critical global supply chain node for the Rafale programme.
Economic and Strategic Impact
This partnership has multi-layered benefits for India:
· Investment in high-precision infrastructure and jobs in India’s defence sector
· Technology transfer and skill development in aerospace manufacturing
· Enhanced indigenous content in upcoming fighter jet acquisitions
· Strengthened defence industrial cooperation between India and France
Moreover, with the Indian Air Force planning to acquire 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA), and Rafale emerging as a front-runner, the timing of this deal could significantly influence the structure and terms of the potential $20 billion contract.
Dassault has made it clear that it would require a minimum commitment of 100 aircraft to justify setting up a full-scale production line in India. A possible plan under consideration is to procure 18 aircraft off-the-shelf, followed by 36 built in India through a joint venture, with more added in later phases.
Leadership Speaks
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, described the deal as a "decisive step" in reinforcing Dassault's supply chain in India.
“Thanks to TASL and other Indian partners, this deal will ensure we meet our quality and competitiveness goals.”
Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of TASL, called the agreement a “turning point” in India’s aerospace journey.
“It reflects the trust Dassault places in Indian capabilities and the maturity of our manufacturing ecosystem.”
A Future Forged in Metal and Trust
As India steps closer to becoming a global defence manufacturing hub, this Dassault-Tata agreement sets a precedent for meaningful international collaboration rooted in mutual strategic interests. More than just a business transaction, this is an investment in India’s defence future, industrial capacity, and geopolitical influence.
The Rafale, already a symbol of India’s air superiority, may now also become a symbol of its industrial might — not just flown in India, but built in India.
(With agency inputs)
