In a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has entered into a strategic partnership with French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation to produce the fuselage sections of Rafale fighter jets in Hyderabad. This marks the first time Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside France.
The collaboration comes as part of the ₹63,887 crore (approximately €7 billion) inter-governmental agreement signed in April for India’s acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) jets for its Navy. The jets are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
As part of the agreement, four production transfer pacts have been signed between Dassault and TASL. These will facilitate the manufacturing of critical structural components of the Rafale at TASL’s Hyderabad facility, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section—for both Indian and global demands.
“The first fuselage sections are expected to roll out in FY 2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month,” said a joint statement issued by Dassault Aviation and TASL.
Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier highlighted the strategic importance of this development, stating, “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, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements.”
TASL CEO Sukaran Singh echoed the sentiment, calling the deal “a significant step in India’s aerospace journey.” He added, “It reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.”
The facility will also be equipped to support MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons, further strengthening India’s defence industrial base.
Notably, TASL’s joint venture with Boeing in Hyderabad already manufactures fuselage structures for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, reinforcing Hyderabad’s emergence as a key node in global defence manufacturing.
This Indo-French partnership signals not just defence cooperation, but a shift towards deeper industrial collaboration, aligning with India’s push for indigenous manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
