Tata and Dassault Partner to Manufacture Rafale Fuselage in Hyderabad, Boosting India’s Defence Manufacturing!

In a major development for India’s defence sector, Dassault Aviation, in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems, has announced plans to produce the fuselage of the Rafale fighter jet in Hyderabad. This partnership marks the first time a key component of the Rafale aircraft will be manufactured outside of France, significantly contributing to India’s efforts to enhance domestic defence production and support its self-reliance ambitions. The new facility in Hyderabad will serve as a pivotal step in strengthening India’s defence capabilities while also positioning the country as a key player in the global defence manufacturing market.

Tata will establish a dedicated factory in Hyderabad, specifically designed to produce major sections of the Rafale’s fuselage. The first parts are expected to roll off the production line by the 2028 financial year, with the plant capable of manufacturing up to two complete fuselages per month. While the financial specifics of the deal and the exact details of export plans have not been disclosed, the agreement will cater to both Indian and global markets, further strengthening India’s role in the international defence ecosystem.

This collaboration aligns with India’s broader defence modernisation strategy, which includes an ambitious goal of increasing domestic arms production. India currently operates 36 Rafale jets and has recently signed a $7 billion deal with France to acquire 26 naval Rafale aircraft, slated for delivery by 2030. This move is part of India’s broader efforts to modernise its military and enhance its defensive capabilities, particularly in response to regional security challenges posed by neighbours Pakistan and China.

The Rafale jets have already seen operational use in India’s defence strategy. In recent confrontations with Pakistan, India reportedly deployed its Rafales following a deadly attack in Kashmir. Although there were conflicting reports about the number of jets downed during the conflict, the deployment underscored the importance of these advanced aircraft in India’s modern military operations.

The partnership between Dassault and Tata marks a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing journey, demonstrating a strong commitment to increasing self-reliance in defence production. By manufacturing critical components of the Rafale fighter jet domestically, India is not only bolstering its defence capabilities but also setting a foundation for future growth in the global defence market.