India to Manufacture Rafale Fighter Jet Fuselage from 2028
Dassault Aviation is a French company that operates in the defense and aerospace sectors. The main body of the Rafale fighter jet will now be manufactured in Hyderabad, India. This part is known as the fuselage. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed four production transfer agreements with Dassault Aviation for this. The first fuselage unit is expected to roll out from the assembly line in 2028. The manufacturing plant in Hyderabad is expected to produce two complete fuselages every month. This collaboration between Tata and Dassault will enhance the participation of private companies in India’s defense sector.
Dassault Aviation stated that this project is a significant step in defense cooperation between India and France. It will enhance India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and provide local engineers an opportunity to learn world-class technology. This will be the first time that the Rafale fuselage will be manufactured outside of France.
Tata Group already manufactures parts for Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft in collaboration with Dassault. The CEO of Tata Advanced Systems, Sukaran Singh, said, "This partnership is a significant step in India's journey of aircraft manufacturing. It demonstrates the growing trust in Tata Advanced Systems' capabilities and strengthens our relationship with Dassault Aviation. It is also proof that India has made significant progress in developing a modern and robust aerospace manufacturing system that can support large global platforms."
The fuselage is the main structure or body of an aircraft, and it is the largest and most essential part of the plane. In simpler terms, the fuselage is the part where the other components (such as wings, tail, and engines) are attached. It gives the aircraft its shape and holds everything together.
The fuselage of a supersonic fighter jet is narrow and streamlined to reduce air resistance at high speeds. On the other hand, the fuselage of a commercial airliner is wider to accommodate more passengers.
In a fighter jet, the cockpit is located on the upper portion of the fuselage. Weapons are mounted on the wings, and the engine and fuel are stored at the rear of the fuselage. In an airliner, the pilot sits in the cockpit at the very front of the fuselage. Passengers and cargo are located at the rear, while fuel is stored in the wings.
The Rafale fuselage is made of around 40% carbon fiber composite material. This lightweight yet strong material keeps the jet’s weight low and increases speed. Some specific parts, such as around the engine and high-stress areas, are made of titanium, which can withstand high temperatures and pressure. Other parts of the fuselage use aluminum-lithium alloy, which is both light and strong. High-strength steel is used in smaller parts and joints to ensure the structure remains robust. It is crucial to keep the fuselage light, strong, and aerodynamic to reduce air resistance.
Dassault Aviation is a French company established in 1929, headquartered in Saint-Cloud, France. The company manufactures fighter jets like Rafale and Mirage 2000, Falcon business jets, and drones. Dassault has been associated with India since 2016 through deals for 36 Rafale jets and another deal in 2025 for 26 Rafale Marine jets.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is a company under the Tata Group that specializes in defense, aerospace, and homeland security. It was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Mumbai. TASL manufactures parts for aircraft, helicopters, drones, missile systems, and defense equipment. The company partners with global giants like Sikorsky, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Dassault Aviation.