Tata to Build Rafale Fighter Aircraft Fuselages in India: A Boost for ‘Make in India’
Tata Advanced Systems will produce Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India under a partnership with Dassault Aviation. This move strengthens India’s position in defence manufacturing, with production slated to begin in FY2028.
In a major bid to bolster 'Make in India' defense initiatives, the production of Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages will now be undertaken by Tata Advanced Systems in India. Four Production Transfer Agreements (PTA) between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems mark this partnership, with India becoming the first nation outside of France to produce these essential pieces of the Rafale fighter aircraft.
A Step Forward for India's Aerospace Industry
This alliance represents a significant step forward for the aerospace industry in India. As per Dassault, the investment would lead to the creation of a precision manufacturing center in India. The sophisticated manufacturing facility being established in Hyderabad by Tata Advanced Systems will be dedicated to making critical structural parts of the Rafale, such as the rear fuselage lateral shells, the central fuselage, and the nose section of the aircraft.
What is a fuselage?
The fuselage refers to the main body structure of an airplane that accommodates the crew, passengers, and cargo. It joins the different parts of the airplane while contributing as little weight as possible with its hollow shape. The structure and design of the fuselage are tailor-made to suit the purpose of the airplane, making it a very important component in the plane's overall performance and longevity.
Production Timeline
Fuselage sections of Rafale are to be produced starting from FY2028, with the plant having a target of making two complete fuselages a month. It will be a big milestone for India's defense production strength as the nation assumes more responsibility for producing sophisticated military equipment.
