SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Hyderabad/New Delhi, June 10, 2025 – Following the recent announcement that Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will manufacture the entire fuselage of the Rafale fighter jet in India starting 2028, industry sources have revealed that Dassault Aviation is in advanced discussions to outsource the production of the aircraft’s wings to another Indian company. According to information shared with idrw.org, talks are progressing, and an official announcement is expected soon, marking a significant expansion of India’s role in the global aerospace supply chain.
The decision to involve TASL in fuselage production, formalized through four Production Transfer Agreements signed on June 5, 2025, represents a historic shift, as it will be the first time Rafale fuselages are manufactured outside France. TASL’s state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad will produce key structural sections, including the lateral shells, rear, central, and front fuselage components, with an initial capacity to deliver two complete fuselages per month by 2028. This move aligns with India’s “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, reinforcing the country’s growing aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
Now, the potential outsourcing of Rafale wings production to a second Indian firm signals Dassault’s deepening trust in India’s industrial capabilities. While the identity of the company remains undisclosed, sources suggest it could be a major player with expertise in aerostructures, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) or a private entity like Mahindra Aerospace. The wings, critical for the Rafale’s aerodynamic performance and combat agility, require precision engineering and advanced composite materials, areas where Indian firms have shown increasing proficiency. This development could bring up to 60% of the Rafale’s manufacturing value to India, building on existing local production of components like canopies and fuel tanks.
The strategic timing of this potential deal coincides with India’s ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which seeks to procure 114 advanced fighters for the Indian Air Force (IAF). With the IAF already operating 36 Rafales and the Navy set to induct 26 Rafale-M jets by 2030 under a Rs 63,000 crore deal, Dassault’s willingness to transfer technology and production capabilities could strengthen its bid for the lucrative MRFA contract. The inclusion of indigenous weapons like the Astra missile and Rudram-I on Rafale platforms further supports this collaboration, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance.
Industry experts view this as a transformative step for India’s defense sector. The fuselage deal with TASL has already positioned Hyderabad as a hub for high-precision manufacturing, and adding wings production could create thousands of jobs while fostering a robust supply chain involving MSMEs. However, challenges remain, including ensuring quality standards match French benchmarks and addressing potential intellectual property concerns. Dassault’s previous reluctance to share source codes for the Rafale’s radar and mission systems may also influence the scope of technology transfer in this new venture.
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