Hyderabad/New Delhi: In a landmark development for India’s defence and manufacturing sectors, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation has joined hands with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to manufacture the fuselage (main body/structure) of Rafale fighter jets in India.
The agreement, comprising four strategic pacts, marks the first-ever production of Rafale fuselages outside France, further cementing India’s position in the global aerospace supply chain.
According to a joint press statement, the project involves setting up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, which will become a key hub for high-precision structural components of the Rafale aircraft. The facility is projected to begin output by 2028, with plans to produce up to two complete fuselage sections every month.
For the 1st time outside France, #Rafale fuselage production will take place in India, as #Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems sign 4 strategic agreements.
The Hyderabad facility will begin operations in FY2028 with a capacity of 2 fuselages per month. pic.twitter.com/eWZy00LYSD— Defence Decode® (@DefenceDecode) June 5, 2025
This collaboration represents a major investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and aligns with the government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives.
French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, lauded the partnership as a “strategic milestone” and a testament to France’s commitment to supporting indigenous defence manufacturing in India. He emphasized the deal’s role in strengthening both bilateral ties and global aerospace collaboration.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, hailed the venture as a historic first, stating, “For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France.” Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems, described the collaboration as a “significant leap forward in India’s aerospace journey”, underlining the importance of building critical capabilities domestically.
This development comes as a strong signal of India’s growing capability in high-tech defence manufacturing and is expected to generate employment, spur innovation, and bolster defence preparedness.
