Plans are underway for Nagpur in Maharashtra to become a key production centre for Dassault Rafale fighter jets, marking a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing and aerospace ambitions. Under proposals being discussed between French aerospace major Dassault Aviation and Indian partners, the city could host a production facility capable of manufacturing up to 24 Rafale jets annually, making it one of the company’s main global hubs outside France.
The move would expand upon the existing Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) facility in the MIHAN Special Economic Zone, which already produces critical components for Rafale and Falcon aircraft. The proposed production line in Nagpur is expected to centralise final assembly as well as high-value manufacturing work, elevating India’s role from component supplier to a full-scale producer in the global Rafale supply chain.
A defining feature of the plans is the deeply integrated Indian supply chain, which could involve major domestic firms such as Tata Group, Mahindra Group and Dynamatic Technologies, as well as dozens of MSMEs supplying aero-structures, precision parts and avionics components. Such integration aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, fostering technology transfer, skilled jobs and industrial growth in the aerospace sector.
If implemented, Nagpur’s production hub could help meet future Indian Air Force requirements and support potential export orders, reducing delivery times and increasing self-reliance in defence production. Aircraft manufactured in India could be integrated into Dassault’s wider global order book, potentially positioning Nagpur alongside major aerospace centres worldwide.
The development would also boost regional economic activity, strengthening the local industrial ecosystem and creating high-skill employment opportunities in Maharashtra. Government and industry stakeholders are monitoring progress as discussions continue on formal agreements and timelines for establishing the facility.
