An important step toward bolstering India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and assisting international supply chains was taken on Thursday when French major Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed four production transfer agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India.

The lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the entire rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section are among the crucial structural parts of the Rafale that Tata Advanced Systems will build in a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad.

Up to two complete fuselages per month are anticipated to be delivered by the factory, with the first fuselage pieces anticipated to come off the assembly line in FY2028.

“Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside of France for the first time. This is a significant step toward fortifying our Indian supply network. This supply chain will help the Rafale ramp up successfully and, with our help, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements thanks to the growth of our local partners, including TASL, one of the leading companies in the Indian aerospace sector,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

Dassault Aviation’s strong commitment to India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar” initiatives is demonstrated by the signing of these contracts.

This collaboration supports India’s objective of increased economic independence while solidifying its place as a major participant in the global aerospace supply chain.

“India’s aerospace adventure has advanced significantly with this alliance. The strengthening of our partnership with Dassault Aviation and the growing confidence in Tata Advanced Systems’ skills are demonstrated by the manufacturing of the entire Rafale fuselage in India,” stated Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

Singh added that it also shows how far India has come in building a strong, contemporary aerospace manufacturing sector that can support international platforms.

In the midst of mounting security worries over China’s flexing of its maritime might in the Indo-Pacific area, India and France struck a historic Rs 63,000 crore deal in April of this year to purchase 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, which will strengthen the Indian Navy.

An intergovernmental agreement will govern the purchase process, guaranteeing direct deliveries free of middlemen. The agreement calls for the delivery of four twin-seater trainers and twenty-two single-seater planes by 2031.