Rafale Fighter Jet to Be Partially Manufactured in India: The sault and Tata Sign Major Agreement

In a significant development for India’s defense manufacturing sector, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation has entered into a landmark agreement with the Tata Group to manufacture major components of the Rafale fighter jet in India.

The partnership will be executed through Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), with both companies signing four production transfer agreements aimed at building key sections of the aircraft's body. The components to be manufactured include the front section, central fuselage, rear section, and the overall fuselage structure of the Rafale jet.

This initiative marks a major step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. The upcoming facility, backed by Dassault and the Tata Group, is expected to significantly enhance India’s aerospace production capabilities and infrastructure.

According to the agreement, the first Rafale fuselage is expected to roll out from the Indian assembly line by 2028. Once the plant is fully operational, the facility will have the capacity to produce two fuselages per month.

The move is seen as a strategic milestone, not only boosting indigenous defense production but also laying the groundwork for potential exports and deeper defense collaboration between India and France.