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In a landmark move that highlights India’s rise as a global defense manufacturing hub, Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace giant, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a premier Indian aerospace and defense manufacturer, have forged a significant partnership to manufacture Rafale fighter jet fuselages in India. This agreement not only strengthens India’s ambitions under the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives but also reinforces strategic Indo-French defence cooperation.
Signed in June 2025, this industrial deal marks a historic milestone. For the first time, Rafale fighter jet fuselages will be produced outside France, with Tata Advanced Systems set to manufacture critical components at their state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad, India.
Front, center, and rear fuselage sections, along with the lateral shells
Facility aimed to reach a production rate of two complete fuselage assemblies per month by the fiscal year 2028
These assemblies will support India’s Air Force, Navy, and potentially other international customers
This deal builds upon India’s significant ₹63,887 crore (approximately $7.6 billion) purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets in April 2025, which complements the 36 Rafale jets already in operation with the Indian Air Force.
The Dassault-Tata deal is more than just a contract; it represents a substantial leap towards India’s goal of reducing dependence on imported defence hardware. By producing such a critical component locally, India moves closer to self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
A vital aspect of this agreement is the transfer of high-precision manufacturing technologies from Dassault to Tata. This transfer includes advanced assembly processes, quality assurance protocols, and aerospace-grade engineering practices that will elevate Indian manufacturing standards to global levels.
Furthermore, the Hyderabad facility is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs, providing employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, and specialists. This will not only strengthen the local economy but also nurture a new generation of aerospace professionals in India.
India’s role as a key player in Dassault’s global supply chain is a strategic advantage. By manufacturing these fuselage components, India becomes an integral part of the Rafale production network, opening doors for future export opportunities to international markets. This positions India as a global aerospace manufacturing hub capable of meeting stringent international quality standards.
Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized the historic nature of the agreement:
“For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This milestone is a testament to our confidence in Tata Advanced Systems and India’s growing aerospace capabilities.”
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, highlighted the transformative potential for India:
“This partnership is a significant step forward for India’s aerospace ecosystem. It demonstrates the trust placed in Tata’s engineering excellence and commitment to delivering world-class manufacturing.”
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | India signs deal to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets |
| June 2025 | Tata and Dassault sign fuselage production agreements |
| FY 2028 (Target) | Start of fuselage production in Hyderabad, India |
| Post-2028 | Scale-up to 2 fuselages per month and potential exports |
The Hyderabad facility, equipped with cutting-edge tooling and stringent quality management systems, will be the cornerstone of this production effort. The partnership is also expected to foster further collaborations, including full final assembly of aircraft in India and potential joint development of next-generation fighter technologies.
This deal promises a significant economic impact. The creation of high-tech manufacturing jobs and development of aerospace supply chains will spur regional development and enhance India’s industrial capabilities. Additionally, the facility is expected to stimulate ancillary industries, including precision engineering and electronics.
By localizing the manufacture of critical components, India gains greater control over its defence assets and reduces supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly important given evolving regional security dynamics. This fosters greater sovereignty in defense production and enhances readiness.
The deal exemplifies the deepening strategic relationship between India and France. It goes beyond a mere buyer-seller relationship, positioning India as a trusted partner in global aerospace production and defense technology sharing.
The Dassault-Tata fuselage production deal stands as a defining chapter in India’s defense manufacturing narrative. It symbolizes the successful fusion of global technology and local industrial capability, paving the way for a future where India is not just a consumer but a significant producer and exporter of advanced military aircraft.
This partnership will likely inspire similar collaborations, cementing India’s position as a global aerospace powerhouse and a key player in international defense manufacturing.
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