Rafale fighter jets to have Indian backbone. Dassault, Tata sign pact make aircraft fuselage in India

In what comes as a major boost to India's self-reliance initiative in defence, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India.

Under the agreement, TASL will set up a production facility in Hyderabad to manufacture key structural sections of the Rafale fighter jets, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.

The agreement has been hailed as a significant step forward in boosting the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains.

For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation d Eric Trappier said, adding that "this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements."

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Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director TASL Sukaran Singh said the partnership marks a significant step in India’s aerospace journey.

“The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms,” he said.

This facility represents a significant investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing, a statement from Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems read.