Dassault to manufacture Rafale fighter fuselage in India
Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced System have reached an agreement to set up a production line for Rafale fighter fuselage structures in Hyderabad, India.
The transfer of production is a step towards bringing the two countries closer together and meeting the “Make in India” program, launched by the Indian government to expand its presence in the aerospace segment.
The Indian Air Force is one of the main customers of the Rafale while the Indian Navy has just signed a contract to receive 26 aircraft of the naval version of the fighter for its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
The agreement between the two companies establishes the manufacture of essential structural sections of the Rafale, including the sides of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage and the front section.
According to Dassault, the first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in fiscal 2028 at a rate of two airframe sets per month.
All-India 6th gen fighter
“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 CEO of Dassault Aviation.
Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, added: “The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening confidence in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation.”
The Indian Air Force has received 36 single- and twin-seat Rafale fighters, but at least one aircraft has reportedly been shot down by Pakistan in recent conflicts.
The deal comes amid the announcement of further investment in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, which aims to develop and produce an all-Indian 6th generation fighter.
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