Dassault Aviation has signed four contracts with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Tata Dassault Rafale Partnership agreements let Tata build parts of the Rafale fighter jet in India. Dassault said this move will boost India’s aircraft-making ability and help global production lines.
TASL will build a new factory in Hyderabad. The plant will produce the major structural components for the Rafale jet and will also manufacture parts such as the rear fuselage sides, including the entire rear fuselage sections, mid-section, and forward section.
First components are expected to be delivered by the 2028 financial year. This new plant could make up to two full fuselages every month, the company said.
This is significant because it represents the first time that parts of the Rafale will be produced outside of France. Dassault CEO Eric Trappier called this a major milestone. He said it will make the supply chain in India stronger. He also praised TASL as one of India’s top aerospace players. Dassault expects Indian partners to help speed up Rafale production while meeting its high standards.
TASL CEO Sukaran Singh stated the contract signing is a significant step for Indian aerospace. He said building Rafale bodies in India shows how much trust Dassault has in Tata. He also said this proves India now has the skills and tools to support global jet projects.
The contract signing is evidence of Dassault’s backing of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and supporting the local industry to expand India’s global aerospace involvement and move toward self-reliance.
Right now, the Indian Air Force has 36 Rafale jets. The Navy plans to add 26 more Rafale Marine jets by 2030. This is part of a ₹63,000-crore contract transaction with France in April. The agreement includes plans for tech sharing and new maintenance and production setups in India.
