Tata Advanced Systems Signs Landmark Agreement with Dassault Aviation to Manufacture Rafale Fuselages in India
In a major development that boosts India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and strengthens the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has announced a strategic agreement with French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.
The deal focuses on the production of critical components for the Rafale fighter aircraft, a symbol of cutting-edge aviation technology and a key asset in India’s defence arsenal.
The announcement was made on Thursday, June 6, with Tata Advanced Systems taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share the news publicly.
The post revealed that TASL has signed four production transfer agreements with Dassault Aviation, marking a new phase in Indo-French defence cooperation and localised defence manufacturing.
Tata to Manufacture Rafale Fuselages in India for Global and Domestic Markets
Under this new agreement, Tata Advanced Systems will manufacture complete fuselage assemblies and structural components of the Rafale fighter aircraft, not only for Indian defence requirements but also for global export markets.
The manufacturing will take place at a new state-of-the-art production facility being established in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The components to be built in India include:
- Lateral shells of the rear fuselage
- The complete rear section
- Central fuselage
- Front section of the aircraft
These parts are integral to the structural integrity and aerodynamic performance of the Rafale fighter jet. The move marks the first time such significant elements of the aircraft will be manufactured outside of France, showcasing the trust Dassault Aviation has in India’s industrial capabilities and the strategic importance of the Indo-French partnership.
Strengthening India’s Aerospace Ecosystem and Global Supply Chains
The collaboration between TASL and Dassault is expected to bolster India’s presence in the global aerospace supply chain and reinforce the country’s self-reliance in high-technology defence production.
The partnership also serves as a key milestone in the evolution of India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, aligning with the government’s long-term vision of making India a global hub for defence exports and aviation manufacturing.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Aviation, expressed his confidence in the partnership and the quality of work to be delivered from India.
“Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL—one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry—this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of Rafale production. With our support, it will meet our strict quality and competitiveness standards,” said Trappier.
A Milestone for Indigenous Capability Building
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, described the partnership as a reflection of India’s growing maturity and capability in aerospace engineering and manufacturing.
“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 highlights the remarkable progress India has made in building a robust, globally relevant aerospace manufacturing ecosystem,” Singh stated.
He added that the agreement goes beyond industrial cooperation, marking a strategic alignment in defence and aerospace priorities between India and France.
Context: Rafale-M Deal for Indian Navy
This corporate-level partnership comes shortly after a major inter-governmental defence agreement between India and France.
In April 2025, the two countries formalised the procurement of 26 Rafale-M aircraft, a marine variant of the Rafale designed for operations from aircraft carriers, to bolster the Indian Navy’s combat air fleet.
The deal includes:
- 22 single-seat Rafale-M fighter jets
- 4 twin-seat trainer variants
- Training simulators
- Weapons and associated equipment
- Performance-based logistics support
- Additional systems and upgrades for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet
According to the Ministry of Defence, this acquisition is aimed at enhancing India’s maritime defence capabilities, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where the geopolitical climate demands a strong air and naval presence.
The latest agreement between Tata Advanced Systems and Dassault Aviation is a landmark achievement for India’s defence and aerospace sector.
It not only affirms the confidence that global defence majors have in Indian manufacturing but also lays the foundation for long-term industrial collaboration, export potential, and technological innovation.
As India continues to rise as a formidable player in global defence production, collaborations like these serve as key stepping stones toward strategic self-reliance, job creation, and the enhancement of India’s role in international security frameworks.
