Tata Advanced Systems and French aircraft company Dassault Aviation have signed four major agreements to build the main body (fuselage) of the Rafale fighter jets in India. This is a big deal because it’s the first time these parts will be made outside of France.
What Is a Fuselage?
The fuselage is the main body of an airplane. It holds the different parts of the aircraft together and is usually a long, hollow tube. It carries passengers, cargo, and the cockpit where the pilot sits. In fighter planes like Rafale, the cockpit is placed on top, and weapons are on the wings. The engines and fuel are generally located at the back.
The fuselage is very important because it carries much of the airplane’s weight and affects how the aircraft flies.
A new high-tech production facility will be set up in Hyderabad, where important sections of the Rafale will be made, such as:
- The side shells of the rear body
- The complete rear section
- The middle and front parts of the fuselage
The first parts from this facility are expected to be ready by financial year 2028, and the plant plans to produce two full fuselages every month.
Why This Is Important:
- It strengthens India’s aircraft-making industry
- It shows the growing trust between Tata and Dassault
- It helps India move closer to its goal of becoming more self-reliant in defense production
- It also boosts India’s position in the global aerospace market
What the Leaders Said:
- Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, said this step will make their supply chain stronger in India and help speed up Rafale production while maintaining high standards.
- Sukaran Singh, CEO of Tata Advanced Systems, said this shows confidence in India’s skills and proves that the country is becoming a strong force in aircraft manufacturing.
