(Image source from: x.com/Dassault_OnAir)
In a significant advancement for defense and aerospace production within India, the nation is poised to become the first country outside France to manufacture the fuselage of the Rafale fighter jet. A collaboration between Dassault Aviation from France and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) will lead to the establishment of an advanced production plant in Hyderabad. This facility will focus on creating essential structural components of the Rafale, such as the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the entire rear section, as well as the central and front fuselage sections. It is anticipated that the initial fuselage components will begin to come off the assembly line in Hyderabad by the financial year 2027-28, with a goal of producing up to two complete fuselages monthly. This new plant aims to serve both domestic needs in India and various international markets for the medium multi-role combat aircraft.
The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of 36 Rafale jets. By the year 2030, the Indian Navy is expected to take delivery of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft as part of a substantial deal worth Rs 63,000 crore signed with France in April this year. This agreement includes elements for technology transfer, as well as the development of maintenance and production capabilities within India. Beyond India and France, the Rafale is also utilized by or ordered from numerous nations, including Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Greece, Indonesia, Croatia, and Serbia. The partnership between Dassault Aviation and TASL has resulted in four agreements concerning production transfers for the Rafale fuselage in India, marking a crucial advancement in enhancing the country’s aerospace manufacturing skills and supporting international supply chains. This facility signifies a major investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and is expected to become an essential center for high-precision manufacturing, according to a joint announcement by Dassault and TASL.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated, “This is the first occasion Rafale fuselages will be fabricated outside of France. It marks a crucial step in fortifying our supply chain within India. As we engage with local partners like TASL, a key entity in the Indian aerospace sector, this supply chain will play a vital role in the successful scaling of the Rafale program and will help us fulfill our standards for quality and competitiveness.” Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, expressed, “This collaboration signifies an important milestone in India’s aerospace development. The production of the entire Rafale fuselage in India highlights the growing confidence in our capabilities at Tata Advanced Systems and demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Dassault Aviation. It also showcases the significant advancements India has achieved in crafting a modern and resilient aerospace manufacturing framework that is capable of supporting global platforms.”
The signing of these agreements emphasizes Dassault Aviation’s strong dedication to India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar initiatives, according to the partners involved.
