By Ravisha Prakash
The announcement of Dassault Aviation’s partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India marks a major milestone in the evolution of the country’s aerospace sector. This collaboration not only supports India’s ambitions of self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives but also positions the nation as a significant contributor within the global aerospace supply chain.
Strategic Vision and Industrial Impact
Under the recently signed Production Transfer Agreements, the collaboration will see the first-ever manufacturing of Rafale fuselages outside France, making India a critical node in Dassault Aviation’s global logistics and production map. A state-of-the-art facility will be established in Hyderabad, with the capacity to produce up to two complete fuselages each month, serving both domestic requirements and international demand. The first sections are expected to be delivered by the 2028 fiscal year.
This move reflects a decisive commitment by both organizations to elevate India’s role from being a market for aerospace products to becoming a manufacturing and export hub. Such industrial investments not only advance technical capabilities and infrastructure within India but also have a multiplier effect on skill development, job creation, and ancillary industries.
Scope of Manufacturing and Technology Transfer
The new Hyderabad plant is designed to handle the manufacturing of key fuselage structural sections, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central section, and the front fuselage. The complexity and precision required for these tasks underscore the high level of trust placed by Dassault in Tata Advanced Systems. This partnership endorses TASL’s proven expertise in aerostructures and aligns with its strong history of delivering integrated, innovative solutions for global aerospace primes.
The transfer of advanced production technologies not only bolsters India’s aerospace ecosystem but also creates avenues for collaboration, training, and upskilling of the local workforce, fostering long-term growth and technological independence.
Benefits to National and Global Aerospace Ecosystems
The significance of this collaboration extends beyond the direct manufacturing of Rafale fuselages. By establishing India as a global source for a critical, high-value fighter aircraft component, the partnership sets a precedent for future projects and encourages other international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to consider India for advanced manufacturing mandates.
From Dassault’s perspective, this Indian facility offers enhanced supply chain resilience, scalability, and competitiveness, which are vital as the demand for the Rafale fighter continues to rise globally. For India, it enhances the country’s reputation as a reliable, quality-driven manufacturing partner for high-performance defence platforms and provides a platform for further indigenous development and integration of aerospace systems.
Corporate Profiles and Forward Momentum
Dassault Aviation is a global leader, boasting the delivery of over 10,000 aircraft across 90 countries and expertise in both civil and military aviation. As the powerhouse behind the Rafale, Falcon business jets, military drones, and more, Dassault’s decision to transfer core production work to India is a testament to India’s rising capabilities.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, has cemented its position as a premier aerospace and defence solutions provider in India. Its portfolio spans aerostructures, airborne systems, and a variety of integrated defence solutions, with established international partnerships further strengthening its credentials as a world-class manufacturing and technology partner.
The partnership between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems to produce the Rafale fuselage in Hyderabad is a landmark development that underscores the progress of India’s aerospace industry. It represents a confluence of international expertise, local capability building, and forward-looking industrial policy. By becoming a production and export center for advanced fighter aircraft components, India reinforces its stature as a key strategic partner in the global aerospace and defence landscape, showcasing its journey from technology consumer to technology creator and exporter.
