In a groundbreaking development for India’s aerospace sector, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to locally manufacture the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft. This collaboration represents a pivotal step in boosting India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and integrating the nation more deeply into global aerospace supply chains.

Dedicated Rafale Production Facility

As part of this strategic partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. This facility will focus on producing essential structural segments of the Rafale aircraft, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. This marks the first time Rafale fuselages will be built outside of France—a historic milestone in Dassault Aviation’s manufacturing history.

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Expected Rollout by FY2028

Production is set to commence with the first fuselage sections scheduled to come off the assembly line in the financial year 2028. The facility is expected to deliver up to two fully assembled fuselages every month once operational, contributing significantly to the global demand and ramp-up of the Rafale fighter programme.

Precision meets partnership ✈️⚙️

Dassault Aviation partners with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage for India and other global markets.#TataAdvancedSystems #DassaultAviation #Rafale #MakeInIndia #Aerospace #DefenceManufacturing… pic.twitter.com/MDLIOzXwxx

— Tata Advanced Systems Limited (@tataadvanced) June 5, 2025

Voices from Dassault & Tata Advanced Systems

“This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “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.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems, remarked, “This partnership marks a significant step in India’s aerospace journey. Producing the complete Rafale fuselage in India underlines the deep trust in our capabilities and showcases the evolution of India’s robust, modern aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.”

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Aligned with India’s Make in India 

The signing of these agreements underscores Dassault Aviation’s firm commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives. Beyond technology transfer, the collaboration enhances India’s standing as a reliable manufacturing partner in the global aerospace arena, reinforcing the country’s strategic goal of economic and defence self-sufficiency.