Business

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The significant stride towards bolstering India's defense manufacturing capabilities, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and France's Dassault Aviation have inked four Production Transfer Agreements to produce the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft in Hyderabad. This collaboration marks the first instance of Rafale fuselages being manufactured outside France, underscoring India's growing prominence in the global aerospace sector

The newly established facility in Hyderabad will be responsible for producing key structural components of the Rafale, including the front section, central fuselage, complete rear section, and lateral shells of the rear fuselage. Production is slated to commence in the financial year 2027-28, with the plant expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month at full capacity

This initiative aligns seamlessly with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) campaigns, aiming to enhance indigenous defense production and reduce reliance on imports. The collaboration not only strengthens the longstanding partnership between TASL and Dassault Aviation but also positions India as a critical player in the global aerospace supply chain 

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized the significance 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, 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"

Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the deepening trust in Tata's capabilities and the strength of their collaboration with Dassault Aviation. He remarked, "This 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.

The Hyderabad facility will cater to both domestic and international markets, producing fuselages for the Indian Air Force and other global clients. This move is expected to bolster local industry, create employment opportunities, and enhance technological capabilities in the region .

India currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets and, in April 2025, signed a ₹63,887 crore (approximately $7 billion) deal with France to procure 26 naval variants of the Rafale, expected to be delivered by 2030 . The establishment of the fuselage manufacturing facility in Hyderabad is anticipated to support these acquisitions and future orders, further solidifying India's position in the global defense manufacturing landscape

This collaboration between TASL and Dassault Aviation signifies a monumental leap in India's defense manufacturing sector, reinforcing the nation's commitment to self-reliance and its emergence as a pivotal hub in the global aerospace industry.