05 June, 2025:
A major push for the Make in India initiative, French aerospace company Dassault Aviation has announced the establishment of a dedicated facility in Hyderabad to manufacture fuselages for Rafale fighter aircraft. This marks the first time Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France.
Dassault Aviation confirmed the decision in an official statement, following the signing of agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The facility is expected to significantly boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative by strengthening indigenous defence production capabilities and fostering advanced aerospace technology collaboration between India and France.
“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,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Dassault Aviation.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and managing director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, 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.”
Under the agreement, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.
The facility is expected to commence production within FY2028, with plans to scale up to delivering up to two complete fuselages per month. At present there are 36 Rafale jets in service in the Indian Air Force.
