In a groundbreaking development for India’s aerospace industry, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has partnered with French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in Hyderabad. This marks the first time that the fuselages of the highly advanced Rafale jets will be produced outside France, signaling a significant milestone for India’s “Make in India” initiative and its growing role in global aerospace manufacturing.
The announcement, made on Thursday, June 5, 2025, underscores a deepening collaboration between the two companies, with four Production Transfer Agreements signed to facilitate this ambitious project. A dedicated, cutting-edge production facility will be established in Hyderabad, positioning the city as a critical hub for high-precision aerospace manufacturing. Production is slated to begin in the financial year 2028, with plans to deliver two complete fuselages per month once operations are fully underway.
The partnership aligns with India’s broader push to enhance its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative. Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized the historic nature of the project, stating, “This will be the first time that the fuselages of Rafale are produced outside France. We are proud to contribute to India’s aerospace ambitions and to deepen our partnership with Tata Advanced Systems.”
A Boost for Make in India
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the deal as a testament to India’s growing prowess in aerospace manufacturing. “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,” Singh said. He added that the project reflects the “remarkable progress” India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace ecosystem capable of supporting global platforms.
The Hyderabad facility is expected to not only create high-skilled jobs but also foster a broader supply chain network in India, further strengthening the country’s aerospace infrastructure. The collaboration is part of a larger framework of agreements between Dassault Aviation and Indian companies, including the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) joint venture established in 2016, which focuses on aero structures, electronics, and engine components.
Global Implications
The partnership has far-reaching implications for India’s position in the global aerospace and defense industry. By producing key structural components of the Rafale, India is not only reducing its reliance on foreign imports but also positioning itself as a potential exporter of high-tech aerospace components. The Tata group, already a leader in India’s private-sector defense industry, is further solidifying its role as a global single-source supplier for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing programs.
