Made-in-India Rafale fuselages from 2027-28: Tata Advanced Systems, Dassault ink pacts for manufacturing facility in Hyderabad

The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafales. The Indian Navy will induct 26 Rafale Marine jets by 2030 as part of the Rs 63,000-crore deal between India and France inked in April this year. The deal included provisions for technology transfer and the establishment of maintenance and production facilities in India. Apart from France and India, the Rafale—a 4.5th generation fighter aircraft—is deployed in or on order from various countries, including Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Greece, Indonesia, Croatia, and Serbia.

Dassault Aviation and TASL have signed four production transfer agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. This facility represents a significant investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing, Dassault and TASL said in a joint release. The companies did not provide information on the financials and other specifics of the proposed project.

India has been pushing for local defence and aerospace manufacturing and TASL is a key private sector player in the sector, with presence in segments including aerostructures and aero-engines, airborne platforms and systems, defence and security, and land mobiity. The company has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms. Among its key projects is the final assembly line for made-in-India Airbus C295 tactical airlift aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Precision meets partnership ✈️⚙️

Dassault Aviation partners with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage for India and other global markets.#TataAdvancedSystems #DassaultAviation #Rafale #MakeInIndia #Aerospace #DefenceManufacturing… pic.twitter.com/2p5hgFzx6g

— Tata Advanced Systems Limited (@tataadvanced) June 5, 2025

“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 CEO of Dassault Aviation.

Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer 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. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.”

The signing of these contracts reflects Dassault Aviation’s strong commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar initiatives, the partners said.

“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,” Dassault and TASL added.