Tata and Dassault Aviation Sign Landmark Deal to Manufacture Rafale Jet Parts in India, Boosting Defence and ‘Make in India’ Goals

Tata and Dassault Aviation Sign Landmark Deal: In a groundbreaking move that strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and pushes the boundaries of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed a landmark agreement with French defence and aerospace major Dassault Aviation. This partnership will lead to the production of Rafale fighter jet components in India for the very first time.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone, not just for the two companies involved, but for India’s entire aerospace and defence sector. For the first time in the history of the Rafale fighter aircraft program, major fuselage sections will be manufactured outside of France. Dassault Aviation, the makers of the Rafale jets, has signed four Production Transfer Agreements with Tata Advanced Systems. The agreement includes the setting up of a world-class production facility in Hyderabad, where the manufacturing of key structural components of the Rafale will take place.

According to the official release, the Hyderabad facility will manufacture the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section of the Rafale jet. These components are critical to the structural integrity and performance of the fighter jet, underscoring the level of trust and confidence Dassault Aviation has placed in Tata Advanced Systems and Indian manufacturing capabilities.

The first fuselage sections are expected to roll out by the financial year 2028. Once operational, the Hyderabad plant is expected to deliver up to two complete Rafale fuselages per month, a massive boost to the local aerospace industry and job creation in the region. This is not just a contract, but a transformation of India’s role from buyer to builder in the global defence supply chain.

Dassault Aviation’s Chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal. “For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France, and this is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India,” he said. Trappier also praised Tata Advanced Systems as one of the key players in India’s defence sector and highlighted the role of local partnerships in meeting global standards of quality and competitiveness.

Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, called the partnership a “giant leap” in India’s aerospace journey. “The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem,” Singh stated. He further added that this collaboration is an endorsement of India’s technological growth and its ability to support high-performance platforms like the Rafale.

Beyond manufacturing, this partnership carries strong symbolic value. It demonstrates Dassault Aviation’s enduring commitment to India’s vision of self-reliance and industrial strength. The agreement is also expected to spur ancillary development, with Indian suppliers becoming more integrated into global aerospace and defence production networks.

From a strategic perspective, this move gives India greater autonomy and flexibility in maintaining and upgrading its defence capabilities. The Rafale aircraft, known for its versatility and advanced technology, is a critical asset for the Indian Air Force. By localizing production of major components, India reduces its dependence on foreign supply chains, enhances national security, and prepares itself for future aircraft maintenance, upgrades, and even potential export of components.

Moreover, this partnership could open doors to future joint ventures, R&D collaborations, and the possible development of next-generation fighter jets in India. It also supports broader economic objectives, including high-skilled employment generation, development of local suppliers, and technology transfer to Indian firms.

This deal comes at a time when India is actively reshaping its defence procurement policies to promote domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. The success of this project could serve as a model for future collaborations with global defence giants and help India emerge as a global hub for defence manufacturing.

In conclusion, the Tata-Dassault agreement to manufacture Rafale fuselage components in Hyderabad is more than a contract—it is a strategic pivot in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence. It blends the technological excellence of Dassault with the manufacturing strength of Tata, creating a synergy that promises to elevate India’s aerospace ambitions to new heights. With this step, India is not just participating in the global aerospace industry—it is helping shape its future.