Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. In a significant development in India's defense manufacturing sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed four production transfer agreements with France’s Dassault Aviation to manufacture the main body of Rafale fighter jets—known as the fuselage—in Hyderabad. This marks the first time Rafale’s primary airframe will be produced outside France. The first fully assembled fuselage is expected to roll out from the Hyderabad plant by 2028, with the facility projected to produce two units per month.

Strengthening Indo-French defense ties

Dassault Aviation described the agreement as a major leap in India-France defense cooperation. The initiative is expected to significantly boost India’s defense manufacturing capacity while providing Indian engineers access to world-class aerospace technology. The Hyderabad facility will serve both Indian and global markets, and the project highlights India’s growing role in the international aerospace ecosystem. The deal also aims to deepen private sector involvement in India’s defense production.

Tata already part of Rafale component production

Tata Group has been collaborating with Dassault for several years, manufacturing components for both Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft. Commenting on the new agreement, TASL CEO Sukaran Singh stated that building the entire fuselage in India reflects the increasing trust in Tata’s capabilities and reinforces the strong partnership with Dassault. He added that this move represents a big step in India's journey toward building indigenous aircraft platforms.

Understanding the aircraft fuselage

The fuselage is the main body of an aircraft—essentially the central structure that houses the cockpit, engine, fuel, and other vital components. For fighter jets, the fuselage must be aerodynamically sleek and lightweight to minimize air resistance. About 40% of the Rafale’s fuselage is made of carbon fiber composite, known for its strength and low weight. Titanium is used in high-stress areas near the engine, while aluminum-lithium alloy and high-strength steel reinforce other structural zones.

Rafale project rooted in strong foundations

Dassault Aviation, founded in 1929 and headquartered in Saint-Cloud, France, manufactures Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets, as well as Falcon business jets and drones. Its partnership with India dates back to 2016, when India signed a deal for 36 Rafale jets. Another deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets followed in 2025. The company’s collaboration with Tata is part of a broader push to localize production and transfer technology.

Growing presence in global aerospace partnerships

Tata Advanced Systems, established in 2007 and headquartered in Mumbai, has emerged as a key player in India’s defense and aerospace sector. The company manufactures aircraft, helicopters, drones, missile systems, and components for major global defense firms like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, and Dassault. Its partnership with Dassault to produce Rafale fuselages further cements its status as a trusted and capable defense manufacturer on the global stage.

7 Summary Pointers:

1. Tata will manufacture Rafale’s fuselage in Hyderabad under a deal with Dassault Aviation.

2. This is the first time Rafale’s main body will be produced outside France.

3. The plant aims to roll out two fuselage units per month starting in 2028.

4. Project to boost India-France defense ties and local engineering capabilities.

5. Tata already produces Rafale and Mirage components with Dassault.

6. The fuselage uses carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum-lithium alloys.

7. TASL’s role in global aerospace manufacturing continues to grow through strategic partnerships.