In a landmark development for India’s defence manufacturing sector, Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) has joined hands with France’s Dassault Aviation to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India, the first time this critical component will be produced outside France.
Under four Production Transfer Agreements signed between the partners, a cutting-edge production facility will be established in Hyderabad, Telangana, dedicated to producing key structural sections of the Rafale fuselage, including the front section, central fuselage, complete rear section and lateral shells.
The facility is expected to start production in the financial year 2027-28, with a projected capacity to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month once operational.
Industry observers see this collaboration as a major boost to India’s aerospace ecosystem, strengthening high-precision manufacturing capabilities, supporting the government’s Make in India and AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives, and integrating the country more deeply into global defence supply chains.
The Hyderabad plant will not only cater to the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fleet but also serve global markets, positioning India as a key production hub for advanced fighter aircraft components.
This strategic partnership marks a significant step forward in building indigenous defence capabilities and reflects growing confidence in India’s private sector ability to contribute to high-end aerospace manufacturing.
