Dassault Aviation to Manufacture Rafale Fuselages in India
Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems have signed agreements transferring Rafale fighter jet fuselage manufacturing to India. The move aims to bolster India's aerospace capabilities and global supply chains.
Saint-Cloud, France & Mumbai, India – June 5, 2025 – French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation and India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four Production Transfer Agreements that will see the manufacturing of Rafale fighter jet fuselages shift to India. This marks a significant step in developing India's aerospace and defense industry and expands Dassault Aviation's global supply network.
TASL will establish a new production facility in Hyderabad. This site will be responsible for manufacturing critical structural components of the Rafale, including sections of the rear, central, and forward fuselage. Production is slated to begin in fiscal year 2028, with the facility projected to produce up to two complete fuselages per month.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, highlighted the agreement's importance. "This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. The new facility will enable us to meet the growing demands of Rafale production while maintaining our quality and competitiveness standards," Trappier stated.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, viewed the deal as a testament to his company's capabilities and a deepening collaboration with Dassault Aviation. "This initiative underscores the remarkable progress of India's aerospace sector," Singh commented.
The agreements support India's "Make in India" initiative and its goals for greater self-reliance in the aerospace and defense sectors. The transfer of manufacturing work to India integrates the country more deeply into global aerospace supply chains.