In a first, Rafale Fighter Jet’s parts will be manufactured outside France. The parts will now be made in India due to a partnership between Rafale’s manufacturer Dassault Aviation and the Tata group.
Under the partnership, Indian private sector defence major Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will set up a production facility in Hyderabad for manufacturing key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.
The first round of aircraft body parts are expected to be manufactured by 2028. The Hyderabad Assembly Line is expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages every month.
“For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in 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 the Rafale, and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements,” shared Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) had earlier acquired 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 60,000 crore Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with France signed in September 2016.
The agreements between Dassault and TASL comes at a time when there is an increasing focus on boosting private sector participation in the production of indigenous combat aircraft.
A significant step in India’s aerospace infrastructure
“Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. This facility represents a significant investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing,” a joined press statement issued by Tata Group and Dassault Aviation said.
“Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section,” the announcement further read.