Dassault Aviation partners with Tata Advanced Systems for Rafale fighter fuselage production in India

Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems sign agreements to manufacture Rafale fuselage in India, boosting aerospace capabilities.

Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage for India and other global markets.

Describing it as a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains, Dassault Aviation said the facility represented a vital investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and would serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing.

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 first fuselage sections are likely to roll off the assembly line in 2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.

“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.”

“It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms,” he said.