France's Dassault teams up with Tata to produce Rafale fighter jet bodies in India.
Tata Advanced Systems of India and France's Dassault Corporation have joined forces to manufacture "Rafale" fighter jet bodies in India, supplying both the domestic and global markets. This will be the first time that the Rafale fighter jet bodies are manufactured outside of France.
Central News Agency cited multiple Indian media reports stating that a subsidiary of India's Tata Group, Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), has signed four production transfer agreements with France's Dassault Corporation to produce key structural parts of the Rafale fighter jet in India. The exact date of signing was not specified by the media.
The report pointed out that Dassault Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier said that this cooperation is an important step in strengthening Dassault's supply chain in India, and it aligns with the company's long-term strategy to collaborate with Indian aerospace companies such as Tata Advanced Systems.
Trappier said: "This supply chain will help mass-produce Rafale fighters and meet our requirements for quality and competitiveness under our support."
According to the Economic Times of India, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a factory with advanced production capabilities in Hyderabad, India, responsible for producing the front fuselage, central fuselage, side shells, and rear fuselage of the Rafale fighter jets.
Tata Advanced Systems CEO Srinivas said that this is a significant milestone for India's aerospace industry, demonstrating India's manufacturing strength and the trust of international industry leaders in India.
The Times of India reported that the factory will begin production of Rafale fighter jets in the fiscal year 2028, with an estimated output of two fighter jet bodies per month.
India Today believes that the cooperation between Tata Advanced Systems and Dassault aligns with the strategic goals of the "Make in India" and "AtmaNirbhar Bharat" initiatives.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834131634240588/
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