Current Context: Recently, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) signed an MoU to begin Rafale fuselage production in Hyderabad—making India the first country outside France to manufacture this critical aircraft component.

ABOUT:

• Fuselage Role: Central body housing cockpit, fuel, avionics, and payload.
• Production: Starts FY 2028 at TASL Hyderabad, ramping to 2 fuselages/month.
• Strategic Fit: Advances Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence.
• IAF & Navy: IAF operates 36 Rafales; Indian Navy to induct 26 Marine jets by 2030.