Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains.
Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. The proposed facility represents a ‘significant investment’ in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will be a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing.
Strengthening supply chain
The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility expected to deliver 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. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements,” Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation, said in a release on Thursday.
According to Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems, the partnership marks a ‘significant’ step in India’s aerospace journey.
“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. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms,” he said.