French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) today announced a major joint venture to manufacture key structural components of the Rafale fighter jet, including the entire fuselage, within India. This marks a significant expansion of India’s role in the global aerospace supply chain.
Under the new agreements, TASL will establish a dedicated, state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad, a move that will see Rafale fuselages produced outside France for the first time.
The facility is designed to manufacture various critical sections of the Rafale, specifically the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. Production is slated to begin with the first fuselage sections rolling off the assembly line by fiscal year 2028, with a projected output of up to two complete fuselages per month.
“For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India,” said Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, Eric Trappier, emphasizing the role of Indian partners like TASL in the “successful ramp-up of the Rafale.”
Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, highlighted the strategic importance for India. “This partnership marks a significant step in India’s aerospace journey,” Singh stated. “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.”
The collaboration underscores Dassault Aviation’s commitment to India’s “Make in India” and “AtmaNirbhar” (self-reliant) defense initiatives, aiming to bolster India’s position as a key manufacturing hub in the global aerospace industry.
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