Dassault Aviation and Tata Join Forces to Manufacture Rafale Fuselages in India; Hyderabad Facility to Deliver by 2028

In a landmark development for India’s defence and aerospace industry, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to establish a dedicated facility for manufacturing Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in Hyderabad. This collaboration marks the first time in history that Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside of France, positioning India as a key player in the global Rafale supply chain.

A Strategic Leap in Indo-French Defence Cooperation

The agreement reflects a deepening of the long-standing Indo-French defence relationship, particularly following the Indian Air Force's procurement of 36 Rafale jets, and increasing momentum around a likely second order for 26 Rafale Marine variants for the Indian Navy. The Hyderabad facility is envisioned not just as a local assembly line but as a full-fledged global manufacturing hub that will cater to India's defence needs and Dassault’s export customers worldwide.

Key Highlights of the Project

• Dedicated Facility in Hyderabad: A state-of-the-art, purpose-built manufacturing unit will be constructed under the partnership, bringing advanced aerospace technologies to India.

• Scope of Work:

  • Lateral shells of the rear fuselage

  • Complete rear section

  • Central fuselage

  • Front fuselage section

• Production Capacity: Starting in 2028, the facility will have the capacity to roll out 2 complete Rafale fuselages per month, reflecting a high level of automation, skilled manpower, and quality control to match Dassault’s global standards.

• Workforce Development: The project is expected to generate hundreds of high-skilled jobs in Telangana and significantly contribute to India's aerospace ecosystem through knowledge transfer, tooling precision, and local component sourcing.

• Make in India Boost: The move is seen as a major boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and aligns with India’s ambitions to become a global defence manufacturing hub. This facility will likely attract auxiliary suppliers and subcontractors, further developing local industry.

• Exports Beyond India: The fuselage components manufactured in Hyderabad will not be limited to Indian orders. They will be integrated into Rafale jets destined for international buyers, strengthening India’s role in the global supply chain.

A Foundation for Future Aerospace Projects

This venture is not Dassault’s first partnership with Tata. The two companies already collaborate under the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) joint venture in Nagpur, which produces parts for the Falcon business jet. However, the Hyderabad plant represents a significant upscale in complexity and strategic relevance, as it involves manufacturing key structural components of a frontline combat aircraft.

Industry experts view this partnership as a springboard for future aircraft programs, including potential collaborations on next-generation fighter jets such as the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) or export variants of the Rafale. It could also catalyze talks around deeper joint ventures in avionics, weapons integration, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities.