Dassault Aviation partners with Tata to manufacture first-ever Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India

Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains.

This facility will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.

Dassault Aviation-Tata partnership: What does it entail?

The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, and the facility is expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters. In April, India signed a deal with France—its second-largest arms supplier—to buy 26 naval versions of the jets for $7 billion, which are expected to be delivered by 2030.

“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, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

This partnership aims to strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance. Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player in aerospace and defence solutions in India. It offers a full range of integrated solutions across Aerospace, Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms Systems, Defence and security, and land Mobility.

What does the partnership mean for India?

Dassault Aviation is a front-runner for the multi-role fighter aircraft contract. Other contenders include Lockheed Martin's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. In April 2019, the Indian Air Force issued an RFI (Request for Information), or initial tender, to acquire 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) at a cost of around USD 18 billion.

Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems, said, “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. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.”