In a big boost to India’s defence manufacturing, Dassault Aviation of France has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to produce the full fuselage of Rafale fighter jets in Hyderabad. This marks the first time that such a key component of the Rafale jet will be made outside France.
Under this agreement, Tata will manufacture the fuselage using technology and expertise transferred from Dassault. The new production facility in Hyderabad is expected to start delivering fuselage sections by 2028. Once operational, it aims to roll out two fuselages every month.
This step is part of the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiatives. It not only strengthens India’s defence sector but also places the country on the global aerospace manufacturing map. The fuselages made here will serve both Indian and international orders.
India’s defence exports touched $2.76 billion recently, and this partnership is expected to push that number even higher. This move comes after India signed a $7 billion deal in April to buy 26 naval Rafale jets from France, scheduled for delivery by 2030.
