Tata-Dassault Deal: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will manufacture the main body of Rafale jets in Hyderabad, marking the first time it’s made outside France. This deal with Dassault Aviation boosts India’s defense manufacturing and strengthens India-France ties.

Tata-Dassault Deal: Rafale Jet’s Main Body to Be Made in India: Tata-Dassault Sign Historic Agreement

New Delhi: In a significant milestone for India’s defense sector, the main body (fuselage) of the Rafale fighter jet will now be manufactured in Hyderabad. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed four production transfer agreements with France’s Dassault Aviation. This marks the first time the fuselage of a Rafale jet will be built outside France.

The first fuselage unit is expected to roll out from the Hyderabad assembly line by 2028. The plant is projected to produce two complete fuselage units per month. This collaboration is a major boost for private sector participation in India’s defense manufacturing.

Strengthening India-France Defense Ties

Dassault Aviation stated that the project represents a key step in the defense cooperation between India and France. It will not only enhance India’s defense production capabilities but also provide Indian engineers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge aerospace technologies.

Tata Already Supplies Rafale Components

Tata Group is already involved in manufacturing components for Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets in partnership with Dassault. TASL CEO Sukaran Singh said, “This partnership is a major leap forward in India’s journey toward building its own aircraft. Manufacturing the full Rafale fuselage in India reflects the growing trust in Tata’s capabilities and the strength of our relationship with Dassault Aviation.”

He further emphasized that this achievement showcases India’s rapid progress in developing a modern and robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, capable of supporting major global platforms.

What is an Aircraft Fuselage?

The fuselage is the main body of an aircraft—it’s the central structure to which wings, tail, engines, and landing gear are attached. It determines the aircraft’s shape and holds all other parts together.

In fighter jets, the fuselage is sleek and aerodynamic to reduce air resistance at supersonic speeds. In contrast, passenger aircraft have wider fuselages to accommodate more passengers.

In fighter jets, the cockpit is located on the top front of the fuselage, with weapons on the wings and engines at the rear. In commercial airliners, the pilot’s cockpit is at the front, passengers and cargo are in the midsection, and fuel is stored in the wings.

About Dassault Aviation

Dassault Aviation is a French aerospace company established in 1929, with headquarters in Saint-Cloud, France. It designs and builds fighter jets like the Rafale and Mirage 2000, Falcon business jets, and military drones.

The company has partnered with India since 2016 for the delivery of 36 Rafale fighter jets and signed another agreement in 2025 for 26 Rafale Marine jets.

About Tata Advanced Systems

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is a key defense and aerospace arm of the Tata Group, established in 2007. Headquartered in Mumbai, TASL is engaged in producing aircraft, helicopters, drones, missile systems, and critical defense components.

TASL has existing collaborations with global giants such as Sikorsky, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Dassault Aviation. This new Rafale fuselage project marks a new chapter in India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defense manufacturing.

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