Dassault Strikes Landmark Fighter Jet Deal with Tata for Made-in-India Boost

The signing of four Production Transfer Agreements by Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited to manufacture the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft in India represents a major advancement in the nation's aerospace manufacturing capacity and support for international supply chains.

This facility will be a vital hub for high-precision production and marks a substantial investment in India's aerospace infrastructure.

As part of the collaboration, Tata Advanced Systems will establish a state-of-the-art production plant in Hyderabad to produce the Rafale's main structural components, such as the front section, the central fuselage, the entire rear section, and the lateral shells of the rear fuselage.

The First Fuselage to be Rolled Out by 2028

Up to two complete fuselages per month are anticipated to be delivered by the factory, with the first fuselage pieces anticipated to come off the assembly line in FY2028.

Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside of France for the first time, according to Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

"This is a significant step towards fortifying our Indian supply chain. This supply chain will let the Rafale ramp up successfully and, with our help, will satisfy Dassault's quality and competitiveness standards because of the growth of Dassault's local partners, including TASL, one of the leading companies in the Indian aerospace sector," Trappier added further.

This collaboration represents a major milestone in India's aerospace development, according to Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

The fact that the entire Rafale fuselage is being produced in India demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Dassault Aviation and the growing confidence in Tata Advanced Systems' abilities.

It also shows how far India has come in building a strong, contemporary aerospace manufacturing sector that can support international platforms.

In 2028, the first fuselage segments will leave the Hyderabad production line. Monthly delivery of two complete fuselages is the aim.

The Rafale's last assembly is carried out at Dassault's manufacturing plant in Merignac, close to Bordeaux, France.

In 2018, the Indian Air Force issued a Request for Information (RFP) to foreign manufacturers to start the process of acquiring 114 modern fighter jets to replenish its dwindling squadron strength.

Further Strengthening Make in India Initiative

Dassault Aviation's steadfast dedication to India's "Make in India" and AtmaNirbhar programmes is demonstrated by the signing of these contracts.

This collaboration supports India's objective of increased economic independence while solidifying its place as a major participant in the global aerospace supply chain.

 India cancelled its 2007 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) contract for 126 aircraft in 2015 and instead purchased 36 Rafales from France in a government-to-government agreement worth $7.8 billion in 2016.

The IAF now only has roughly 31 squadrons, which is insufficient to meet its operational needs to protect airspace near the Chinese and Pakistani borders, although it has the authority to deploy 42 squadrons (18 aircraft each).