‘Make in India’ Boost: Rafale Jet Fuselages to Be Made in India for First Time

In a landmark development for India’s defence manufacturing sector, key structural components of the Rafale fighter jet will now be produced in India. French aerospace major Dassault Aviation has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to manufacture the complete fuselage of the Rafale aircraft, marking the first time these critical parts will be made outside of France.

This major boost to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiatives will see a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility established in Hyderabad. The collaboration was solidified with the signing of four Production Transfer Agreements between the two companies. The new facility will handle the production of key structural sections, including the central fuselage, the complete rear section, lateral rear shells, and the front section of the aircraft for both domestic and global markets.

Production is set to commence with the first fuselage sections expected to roll out by the financial year 2028. The facility is being scaled to achieve a production capacity of up to two complete fuselages per month, integrating India into the global supply chain for the advanced fighter jet.

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, hailed the agreement as a significant milestone. “For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India,” he said, emphasizing that the partnership with a major Indian aerospace player like TASL aligns with the company’s long-term strategy and will support the ramp-up of Rafale production globally.

The partnership builds upon a long-standing relationship between Dassault and Indian firms, but elevates it from component manufacturing to producing a significant portion of the aircraft’s main body structure.

Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of TASL, described the collaboration as a pivotal moment for the Indian aerospace ecosystem. “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,” Singh said. He added that the move “reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.”

This venture is expected to create numerous skilled jobs and further develop the high-tech manufacturing capabilities in the Hyderabad region, which is already a significant hub for India’s defence and aerospace industry. The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale jets, and the Indian Navy has recently signed a deal for 26 of the Rafale’s marine version, making India a key operator of the French-made fighter.