French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four agreements to jointly manufacture the fuselage of Rafale fighter aircraft in India. This marks the first time the critical component will be produced outside France, signalling a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and strengthening global supply chains.

According to a joint press release, Tata Advanced Systems will establish a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad dedicated to manufacturing key structural sections of the Rafale aircraft. The first fuselage sections are expected to come off the assembly line by 2028, with the facility projected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.

French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, hailed the partnership as a historic milestone, emphasising France’s support for the Make in India initiative, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and global aerospace supply chains.

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, noted that this is the first instance of Rafale fuselages being produced outside France. Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, described the collaboration as a significant step forward in India’s aerospace journey.