In a landmark move for India’s aerospace sector, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India—not only for the Indian market but for global supply chains as well.
Announced jointly from Saint-Cloud and Mumbai on June 5, 2025, the agreement marks the first time that Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. The move reinforces Dassault’s long-standing commitment to the Indian aerospace industry and reflects growing international trust in the country’s high-precision manufacturing capabilities.
A dedicated, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be established in Hyderabad by TASL. The plant will be responsible for producing 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. Production is set to begin in FY2028, with plans to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, remarked, “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.”
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, added, “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.”
This collaboration aligns closely with India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives, signalling a strategic step toward greater self-reliance and global competitiveness in aerospace manufacturing.
