Tata to manufacture Rafale fuselage in India under Dassault deal

By Staff Report June 5, 2025 6:25 pm IST

Tata Advanced Systems will manufacture Rafale fuselages in Hyderabad under a partnership with Dassault Aviation, marking the first such production outside France.

Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, team up with the Tata Group to manufacture crucial components of the aircraft in India, marking a significant step forward in the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce critical structural sections of the Rafale, such as the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the entire rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. This factory is anticipated to start supplying up to two complete fuselages each month by 2028.

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, highlighted, for the first time, Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside France, marking a decisive step in strengthening Dassault Aviation’s supply chain in India. The expansion of local partners, including Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a key player in the Indian aerospace industry, will support the successful ramp-up of Rafale production while ensuring the highest quality and competitiveness standards are met.

Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited stated, “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 Hyderabad facility is a major investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and is intended to become a key hub for high-precision manufacturing, serving both domestic and international markets.

The collaboration is in line with the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, which aim to strengthen India’s position in the global aerospace supply chain and promote economic self-reliance.