Dassault eyes India as export and production hub for Rafale aircraft

NEW DELHI: French aerospace major Dassault Aviation is planning to make India a global manufacturing and export hub for Rafale fighter jets. In addition to aircraft for the Indian Air Force, major components for Rafale jets destined for other countries will also be manufactured in India. The company is also considering manufacturing complete Rafale aircraft in India for export.

The plan is expected to move forward if the proposed deal to supply 114 Rafale fighter jets to India is finalised. At present, Rafale aircraft are manufactured at Dassault's facility in Mérignac, France. The company began exploring the possibility of setting up a production base outside France following contracts signed this year to supply 220 Rafale aircraft to the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, Serbia and Greece.

Dassault already has manufacturing projects in India. Tata Advanced Systems is expanding a Rafale fuselage manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. In Nagpur, Dassault has already begun producing various Rafale components in partnership with Reliance Aerospace.

Dassault is expected to announce its decision on setting up a Rafale manufacturing base in India in the second week of August after reviewing India's Letter of Intent for 114 aircraft.

Benefits for India

1. Growth of the aerospace and defence manufacturing sector.
2. Creation of high-skilled employment opportunities.
3. Greater opportunities for Indian companies to become part of the global supply chain.
4. Technology transfer and enhanced manufacturing capabilities to strengthen the Make in India initiative.