Dassault Aviation has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems for manufacture of RAFALE fighter aircraft fuselages in India.

India has ordered a total of 62 RAFALE fighter jets, with 36 first ordered for the Air Force in 2016 and 26 RAFALE-Ms contracted for in April 2024. The Air Force is also eyeing the acquisition of 114 new fighter jets as part of its Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, with a substantial portion to be manufactured in India.

Tata Advanced Systems will setup a dedicated manufacturing facility at Hyderabad to cater for Indian and global market demand. "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.

The announcement of RAFALE fuselage manufacture in India was first made in April this year, following the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and France for the supply of 26 RAFALE Marine (M) fighter jets for the navy - as reported by FW MAG. At the time it was announced that the deal would involve the creation of a domestic production facility that would manufacture RAFALE fuselages as also the creation of new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for engines, sensors and weapons.

The French airframer has entered into four Production Transfer Agreements with Tata Advanced Systems which will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key RAFALE structural sections, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.

“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,” said Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

Both companies are moving quickly on the project with the first fuselage sections slated to roll off the assembly line in Hyderabad in FY2028. A peak production rate of 2 complete fuselages per month is planned for.

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