French aerospace major Dassault Aviation will manufacture its flagship Falcon 2000 business jets in India through a strategic partnership with Reliance Aerostructure Ltd (RAL), part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group. The Final Assembly Line (FAL) will be established at Mihan, Nagpur, where their joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL), already produces various components for the Falcon 2000.
First Made-in-India Jet Expected by 2028
Announced at the Paris Air Show, the companies stated that the first fully assembled Falcon 2000 jet from India is expected by 2028. This marks the first time Dassault will manufacture these jets outside France, signaling India’s growing role in global aerospace manufacturing.
India Joins Elite Group of Jet-Producing Nations
The move is expected to position India among a select group of countries—alongside the US, France, Canada, and Brazil—that manufacture high-end business jets. The made-in-India jets will serve both domestic and international markets, addressing the rising demand for executive aircraft.
Production Capacity and Future Scope
While the companies have not disclosed exact production numbers, sources indicate that the facility could manufacture up to 24 aircraft annually. This would be the first time a foreign original equipment manufacturer is establishing a civilian aircraft final assembly line in India.
Additional Manufacturing Responsibilities for DRAL
Dassault will also transfer the assembly of the front sections of its Falcon 8X and Falcon 6X jets to DRAL. The facility will handle wing production and full fuselage assembly for the Falcon 2000, requiring major infrastructure upgrades to support this scale of operations.
Long-Term Strategic Commitments
Dassault’s Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier described the move as part of the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He noted that DRAL will become the first Falcon assembly centre outside France and a key player in the global aerospace supply chain.
Anil Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Group, called the partnership a milestone in India’s aerospace journey and a strong signal of support for the vision of a self-reliant India. The initiative aligns with the “Make in India for the World” objective.
Employment Generation and Ecosystem Growth
The facility at Nagpur is expected to create several hundred new jobs over the next decade, including engineering and technical roles. Since 2019, DRAL has delivered over 100 sub-sections for Falcon 2000 jets, and this expansion is projected to further boost India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
India’s Emerging Aerospace Hub
The announcement follows Dassault’s earlier deal with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Rafale fighter fuselages in Hyderabad. These developments underline India’s growing appeal as a strategic manufacturing base for global aviation players.
Currently, more than 2,200 Falcon jets are operational in over 90 countries, and with the new India-based facility, Dassault is set to expand its production and supply footprint significantly.
