Tata Ties With Dassault to Make Rafale's Fuselage for India, Global Market

In a first for the Indian aviation industry, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India. This facility represents a significant investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing, the French aviation firm said on June 5.

Under the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad to manufacture key structural sections of the 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 expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month, the statement added.

“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 of 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.”

The french firm noted that these contracts reflect its commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This partnership aims to strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance.

TASL's extensive experience in aerospace manufacturing—including joint ventures with global aerospace leaders like Boeing and Lockheed Martin—positions it as a key player in India's defence sector.

Prior to this agreement, Dassault Aviation had partnered with Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group to fulfil offset obligations related to the Indian Air Force's acquisition of 36 Rafale jets.