Made-in-India Rafale Fuselages from 2028: Tata and Dassault Sign Manufacturing Pact in Hyderabad
India’s aerospace and defence capabilities are set to receive a major boost. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Dassault Aviation have entered into a landmark agreement to manufacture the fuselages of Rafale fighter jets at a dedicated facility in Hyderabad. The production is expected to begin in 2028, making it the first time that Rafale airframes will be manufactured outside France.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
Strategic Manufacturing Hub: Hyderabad will house the new manufacturing unit, solidifying its reputation as an aerospace and defence hub in India.
Full Fuselage Production: The facility will be responsible for producing complete Rafale fuselages, a first-of-its-kind move outside French soil.
Production Transfer Agreements: Four Production Transfer Agreements have been signed between the two companies to enable technology sharing and knowledge transfer.
Strengthening India’s Defence Ecosystem
The partnership between TASL and Dassault aligns perfectly with the Indian government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat campaigns. The local manufacturing of Rafale components significantly reduces reliance on imports and builds critical aerospace capabilities within the country.
This move is also seen as a stepping stone toward future collaborations involving the potential assembly of the next-generation Rafale F5 aircraft in India.
Impact on Indo-French Defence Relations
This project marks a deepening of India-France defence ties, reinforcing mutual trust and cooperation. With India being a key strategic partner for France in the Indo-Pacific region, this development underscores long-term commitments in technology exchange and defence production.
Tata Advanced Systems: A Strategic Partner
Tata Advanced Systems is already a key player in India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing space. Its collaborations with global giants such as Lockheed Martin and Airbus highlight its capability in delivering complex aerospace systems. This Rafale fuselage project adds to its growing portfolio and enhances India's position as a global manufacturing destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the scope of the Tata-Dassault agreement?
The agreement involves the manufacturing of complete fuselages for Rafale fighter jets at a facility in Hyderabad, expected to commence production by 2028.
Q2: Why is this development significant for India?
It marks the first instance of Rafale fuselage manufacturing outside France and supports India’s self-reliance goals in defence production.
Q3: How does this benefit the Indian defence industry?
It promotes indigenous manufacturing, boosts employment in high-tech sectors, and reduces dependence on imports for critical defence components.
Q4: What is the timeline for the Rafale fuselage production?
Production at the new facility is slated to begin by 2028.
Q5: Will this lead to the local assembly of Rafale jets in the future?
The agreement strengthens the foundation for future collaborations. Discussions are reportedly ongoing about potential local assembly of the upgraded Rafale F5 variant.
Published on :JUNE 5, 2025
Uploaded by : PAVAN