India Takes Big Step in Fighter Jet Manufacturing with Rafale Fuselage Production

India is set to locally produce Rafale fighter jet fuselages for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its defense manufacturing journey. Dassault Aviation has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to build key components of the jet at a new facility in Hyderabad, strengthening India’s role in global aerospace production.

 

Under the agreement, Tata will manufacture four crucial sections of the fuselage, ensuring that India is not just a buyer of advanced fighter jets but an active participant in their production. The facility aims to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month, supplying both domestic needs and international markets.

 

Dassault Aviation’s CEO, Eric Trappier, called this a “decisive step” toward expanding India’s aerospace capabilities, while TASL CEO Sukaran Singh said the partnership reflects growing trust in India’s ability to deliver high-quality defense equipment.

 

This initiative aligns with India’s Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and boosting local defense production. It also comes at a time when India has ordered 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for its naval fleet, underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening its airpower.

 

With this new production facility, India is moving beyond being an aircraft buyer—it’s becoming a key player in the global fighter jet industry.

 

Sources: Firstpost, MSN News, India Today