ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ

 (Paris, France) and (TASL, New Delhi, India) have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India. This facility represents a significant investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing.

, the Rafale is an omnirole, delta wing combat aircraft with twin turbofan engines. Seventy percent of the aircraft’s wetted area is made from composites — 50% of the fuselage is carbon fiber with aluminum-lithium alloy side skins. The wings are predominantly composites with titanium slats, Kevlar wing root and tip fairings. The single vertical tail fin is carbon fiber with honeycomb core in rudder. Engine and wheel doors are also carbon fiber.

Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a production facility in Hyderabad, India, for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage and the front section.

The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY 2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.

“For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France,” says Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale, and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements.”